Oral Examinations
You should be attending routine oral exams at your dentist's office twice a year. This gives them the opportunity to identify any oral health issues that may be beginning to form, and create a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will take a look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. If necessary, they may even perform dental X-rays to get a closer look at what's going on below the gum line.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a disease that can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. Your dentist will examine you for signs of this disease as part of your routine exam. Regular screenings allow the best chance of early diagnosis and treatment for an ideal outcome.
Oral Health Care at Home
To keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During your exam, your dental hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To start, your hygienist will use a scaler to remove any plaque and tartar buildup you may have. Then, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains. To finish, they will floss your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment if you are at a higher risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel, which can prevent or reverse decay.
