Exams & Cleanings in Columbia, MD
Veneers on front upper teeth
If your teeth and gums are in good health, then it’s more likely that your body will be as well. Which is why it’s essential to visit your dentist regularly. While adults should see their dentists once or twice a year for exams and cleanings, some people may need to go more often.
Link Between Dental Health and Medical Conditions
For adults who have medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, HIV, or cancer, they may need dental exams more often than once every six months or year. Researchers have found direct links between heart disease and dental problems, so by taking care of your dental health, you can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
By regularly visiting our dentists in Columbia, MD, they can help prevent dental problems like gum disease, infections, or dry mouth. Along with medical conditions, some lifestyle habits can also put people at higher risk for dental issues.
Lifestyle and Dental Health
Smoking not only affects how their teeth look, but smokers are at higher risk of periodontitis, which is a gum disease, and oral cancer. Fortunately, our dentists in Columbia know the signs to look for during oral exams and can recommend that you see a physician if they happen to spot trouble.
Cancer treatments can also cause dental problems like dry mouth or infections. Our dentists can help treat most dry mouth problems, but if they suspect its cause comes from something other than your treatments, they will refer you to a medical doctor for a diagnosis and treat the problem.
Pregnancy and Oral Health
Some expecting mothers can have issues with dental health because of their fluctuating hormones. Their gums can become inflamed, causing gingivitis, or other oral health issues may appear. Visiting a dentist near you in Columbia for examinations is very important when you’re pregnant for maintaining good oral health.
If it’s been some time since you’ve had an exam or cleaning, contact Model Dental Clinic for an appointment with one of our dentists. They can do a thorough exam of your teeth and gums, then clean them, so they are not only healthy but look their best as well.
FAQs
Brushing and flossing help remove everyday plaque, but hardened tartar generally cannot be removed effectively with routine brushing and flossing at home. A professional cleaning removes these deposits and supports the health of your teeth and gums.
Yes. Some cavities and other dental problems may develop without noticeable pain or visible changes. During an exam, your dentist may use a visual evaluation and, when appropriate, X-rays to identify problems that are difficult to detect at home.
Bleeding gums can be associated with plaque buildup, gum inflammation, or periodontal disease. Because gum problems do not always cause pain in their early stages, persistent bleeding should be evaluated during a dental exam rather than ignored.
Not necessarily. X-rays are recommended based on factors such as your oral health, age, symptoms, dental history, and risk for dental disease. Your dentist can determine when X-rays are clinically appropriate for identifying problems that may not be visible during an examination.
You can schedule an exam even if it has been several years since your last dental visit. An examination allows your dentist to check for tooth decay and gum problems before deciding whether routine cleaning or more involved periodontal care is needed.
Our goal is to get the perfect smile option in Columbia, MD and we are proudly accepting new patients across the following areas: