Dental Cleanings and Exams in Murrieta

What happens at a dental checkup?

A checkup has two parts: a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, and an exam to look for cavities, gum disease and other problems.

Your visit starts with questions about your health. Then your teeth are scaled and polished, and the dentist examines your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth.

During scaling, you might hear scraping sounds. Let your hygienist know if anything feels uncomfortable, or if you have sensitive teeth.

Why do regular cleanings matter?

Regular cleanings remove buildup that brushing and flossing miss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. Cleveland Clinic notes that plaque and tartar raise your risk for cavities and gum disease, and regular cleanings remove these harmful deposits.

Checkups also catch problems early. The ADA says regular visits help spot dental problems when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable.

That matters because the CDC warns that gum disease can become serious before you notice symptoms. Waiting for something to hurt can mean waiting too long.

Most people do well with a cleaning about every six months, says Cleveland Clinic. People who are prone to gum disease may need cleanings more often.

Why do dentists take X-rays, and are they safe?

Dental X-rays show damage and disease that can’t be seen during an exam, such as new cavities or impacted teeth, and they’re taken only when your dentist decides they’re needed.

The ADA says how often you need X-rays depends on your oral health, age, risk for disease and any symptoms. The risk from dental X-rays is very small, and the ADA recommends using them in moderation.

Digital X-rays can lower radiation exposure compared with film, and the images are easy to share, according to the ADA. The ADA also now says abdominal and thyroid shielding is no longer needed for dental X-rays.

Updated technology is part of what’s new here. Dr. Neff’s letter shares that 3D imaging, digital X-rays and digital impressions are coming “for more comfortable visits and fewer appointments.”

What is an oral cancer screening?

An oral cancer screening is a quick check of your lips, mouth, tongue, throat, jaw and neck for sores, patches or lumps that could be early signs of cancer.

The ADA describes how it works: the dentist may hold your tongue with gauze to see all sides, look over your cheeks, gums, the floor and roof of your mouth and your throat, and feel your jaw and neck for lumps.

A screening doesn’t diagnose cancer. If something looks unusual, Cleveland Clinic notes your dentist may recheck it in a week or so, or recommend further testing.

The NIDCR says most mouth cancers are linked to tobacco use, alcohol or both, and most throat cancers are caused by HPV. See a dentist or doctor if any of these signs last more than two weeks:

• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat
• A white or red patch in your mouth
• A lump in your neck

How do dentists check your gums?

Your dentist or hygienist looks for redness, swelling and bleeding, and uses a small measuring tool called a probe to check the pockets between your gums and teeth.

Cleveland Clinic explains that deeper pockets point to more severe gum disease, and X-rays can show how much bone surrounds your teeth.

Gum checks matter for adults of every age. CDC data show about 4 in 10 U.S. adults 30 and older had some level of periodontitis, the more serious form of gum disease.

The good news is that gingivitis, the mild form, can be reversed with good care. If your gums bleed when you brush, read about bleeding gums and mention it at your visit.

How should you care for your teeth between visits?

Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day, and limit sugary drinks and snacks.

• Use a soft-bristled brush held at a 45-degree angle to your gums, with gentle, short strokes.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, a water flosser or wooden picks. The ADA says the right tool is the one you’ll use every day.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.
• Drink fluoridated tap water, and save sugary drinks and snacks for now and then.
• Don’t use tobacco, and if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on toothpaste and other products.

Can you use your dental benefits before the end of the year?

Yes, and now is a good time to check. As Dr. Neff’s letter says, “Many dental benefits renew at the end of the year, and our team is happy to help you use yours before then.”

We work with most dental insurance plans, including most PPOs, and the same plans are still accepted, including the UFCW member dental plan. Learn more on our dental insurance page, or call us with your plan details.

If it’s been a while since your last visit, that’s okay. Your records are still right here, and new patients are welcome too.

Do checkup needs change with age and health?

Yes. Everyone benefits from regular checkups, but what you need can change with your age and health.

Children should have a first visit by their first birthday, and fluoride and sealants add protection. Our children’s dentistry page explains each stage.

If you have diabetes, the CDC notes that managing it lowers your risk of gum disease. Tell us about health changes, new medicines, and treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

If you’re pregnant, the ADA notes that studies of pregnant patients have affirmed the safety of dental treatment, so keep up your checkups.

Questions & answers

Common questions