Dental Exams and Check-Ups

How Important is Oral Hygiene?

If you want to eliminate detrimental bacteria, then Oral hygiene is extremely necessary. Bacteria builds to form plaque, which can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease) and periodontal disease. Good personal dental care and regular check ups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care. The exam provides suggestions to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also detect problems early on, allowing us to easily fix any issue.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, this is not a “one size fits all” answer. A consult with our team will help you decide how often you should be examined. Certain factors– such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease– may require a higher frequency of examinations.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, which are referred to as “tartar” or “calculus.” These are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments.

We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a detailed summary of your oral health and identify any problems. We will also ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush and floss your teeth, as well as whether your toothpaste contains fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. While our team will clean your teeth, it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand. This allows us to focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods.

Be honest about your oral health habits and don’t be embarrassed! Our team is not here to judge. We want to work with you and improve your habits, ensuring dental health! Lastly, please be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.