Oral Examinations
It's important to attend oral exams at least twice a year. These exams give your dentist the chance to identify any oral health issues that may be starting to form and come up with a plan to treat them.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. Your dentist will check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer which may not be apparent to the untrained 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 maintain your smile between dental appointments.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
During a hygiene appointment, your dental hygienist will deep cleaning your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To start, they will use a scaler to scrape off any tartar and plaque build-up along your gum line. Then, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, and finish with a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
You should schedule dental cleaning appointments twice a year.
Fluoride Treatment
If you are at 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, making it stronger and less susceptible to decay.
