Oral Examinations
Ideally, you should be visiting your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings. This gives your dentist the chance to identify any oral health conditions that may just be starting and make a plan to treat them.
Generally, oral health conditions are easier to treat in their early stages, so the more often you visit the dentist, the better.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. They may also recommend performing dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Since oral cancer can affect any part of your mouth and the surrounding tissues, your dentist will be sure to check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat and gums for any signs of it. They may also use an oral cancer screening device to get a better look at signs that may be difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day to keep your smile healthy between dental appointments.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your appointment, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to both prevent and treat disease.
They will start by using a scaler to remove any tartar or plaque build-up that may be present. Then, they will use a polisher and a coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains. The cleaning will end with a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you are at height risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
