Dental Exam in Delaware, Ohio

The Importance of Regular Dental Exams

Our dentist, Dr. Eric Batterton, recommends two exams per year for most patients. These visits help us spot small concerns early, track changes over time, and give you a clear plan to protect your smile.

If we see signs of periodontal disease, we may recommend more frequent visits and a preventive schedule that supports healthier gums. This proactive approach helps you avoid bigger problems and keep your teeth strong for the long term.

What to Expect During a Dental Exam

A dental exam is more than a quick look at your teeth. It is a careful check of your mouth, gums, and bite, along with guidance that helps you stay ahead of problems.

During your dental exam at our Delaware, OH dentist office, you can expect:

  • A review of your health history and any changes since your last visit
  • A check of your teeth for cavities, cracks, and wear
  • A gum evaluation to look for irritation, bleeding, or early signs of gum disease
  • A look at existing dental work like fillings, crowns, or bridges to make sure everything is stable
  • X-rays when needed to check areas we cannot see during a visual exam
  • A clear explanation of what we find and what we recommend next

If you have concerns like sensitivity, jaw pain, or bleeding gums, this is the best time to bring them up. We will talk through your options and help you decide what makes sense for your goals.

Prevents Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Regular dental exams are one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. According to the American Dental Hygiene Association, 78% of Americans will have at least one cavity by age 17. Routine checkups help us catch early warning signs and guide you before damage becomes harder to treat.

During your visit, our team evaluates your teeth and gums for inflammation, decay, and buildup that can irritate the gumline. If we see periodontal concerns during your exam, we may recommend a deep teeth cleaning to help restore gum health.

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.

Tooth decay happens when bacteria and acids weaken the enamel over time. Plaque buildup, along with sugary and acidic foods, are common contributors.

Detects Oral Cancer in Its Early Stages

Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, throat, and gums. Early detection matters because treatment is often more effective when problems are found sooner.

As part of your dental exam, Dr. Batterton and our team check for signs of oral cancer. We may use a light and mirror to look closely at your mouth, and we may gently feel your neck and jaw area for unusual lumps. If we notice anything concerning, we will refer you to an oral surgeon, oral pathologist, or ENT for further evaluation.

Helps You Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral hygiene supports both your oral health and your overall health. During your dental exam, we take time to review your habits and help you improve what you do at home.

Our team can show you how to brush and floss more effectively and recommend products that fit your needs, such as toothpaste or mouthwash. We also enjoy helping kids build strong habits early, so the whole family feels confident between visits.

Dr. Eric Batterton's Tips for Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene

Strong daily habits help your dental exams stay simple and predictable. Here are a few practical tips:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily.
  • Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary and acidic foods.
  • Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
  • Visit our office regularly for professional cleanings and exams.

If you have questions about your dental health or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our office. We welcome new families of all ages.

At Eric Batterton, DDS, we believe your routine dental exam helps your beautiful smile stay healthy. Contact our office today at [email protected] or 740-363-9741 to schedule your dental cleaning.

CALL NOW
Request an appointment

Other Preventative Dentistry Services

Dental Sealants

LEARN MORE

Periodontal Maintenance

LEARN MORE

Dental Exam FAQs

Just like the American Dental Association, we recommend that you visit the dentist twice yearly for your dental exams. However, if you have serious periodontal or gum disease, we may recommend more frequent cleanings, including a periodontal therapy called scaling and root planing. If you notice any pain or sensitivity between dental visits, contact our office right away.

We will explain what we found, show you the area if possible, and talk through treatment options. If a filling is needed, we will help you schedule it at a time that works for you.

You should brush your teeth at least once a day for two minutes each time. Ideally, we also recommend that you brush after every meal. 

As part of your routine dental exam, Dr. Batterton and our team will look for early signs of gum disease, cavities, and cracked teeth. In addition, our hygiene team will remove the tartar buildup that occurs from minerals sticking to the teeth in hard-to-reach places. To learn more, read about the 12 things a dentist can see when looking in your mouth.

Yes. As part of our comprehensive exam, we examine your mouth and neck for oral cancer. Our goal is to look for any precancerous or cancerous lesions that may lead to early-stage mouth cancer.  The earlier we detect oral cancer sign, the more likely we can either remove the cancerous lesions or refer you to an oral cancer specialist. Factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, a history of oral cancer, and prolonged sun exposure, which could lead to lip cancer.

Yes. Many issues start with no pain. Dental exams help catch problems early, when treatment is usually simpler and more comfortable.