Did you know that your dentist is a bit of a detective? Not only can he discover what’s going on with your teeth and gums, he can also tell a lot about your overall health and habits during your regular dental exams. That’s because your mouth gives clues about what’s happening in your whole body.

Here are 5 reasons why regular dental exams are so important:

1.     Routine dental checkups are the best way to keep your teeth strong and healthy. The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once every six months. During those oral hygiene exams, the dental team will give your teeth a thorough cleaning that can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. Removing plaque helps make sure that little problems don’t turn into big problems.

2.     Gingivitis, a common gum disease, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Regular cleanings and dental exams can help prevent gingivitis and more serious gum diseases such as periodontitis. Gum disease can be painful, causing swollen, puffy gums and bleeding. Left untreated, it can even lead to tooth loss.

3.     Does your dentist ever examine your neck, jaw, cheeks, lips and tongue? The reason for such a thorough exam is that he’s looking for the danger signs of disease. Dentists are sometimes the first to discover the early stages of serious problems such as oral cancers, but they also look for less serious conditions such as vitamin deficiencies.

4.     Poor dental hygiene can be the first sign of many mental health issues. Patients with substance abuse problems, eating disorders, dementia, and Alzheimer’s often neglect their oral healthcare. A dental exam and a conversation about what’s going on in a patient’s life can lead to answers and treatment.

5.     Your regular dental exams serve as a great reminder of how you need to treat your teeth and gums between visits. A dental assistant can give you proper training on brushing, flossing and the importance for regular exams. Following expert advice from a trained dental assistant can help keep your teeth, gums and whole body healthy.

There’s no disagreeing that good dental hygiene is really important and that those who provide the service are valuable members of dental teams. Does this sound like you? Maybe you should consider a career as a dental assistant. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,  job growth for dental assistants is expected to be much faster than average through 2022. If you’d like to be part of this respected profession, take a look at the dental assisting program at Porter and Chester Institute. We have nine campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Why not give us a call at 800-870-6789 to schedule a school tour today?