Regular Dental Checkup
Have you ever wondered why the American Dental Association and Indian Dental Association recommend you come back every six months? It’s because regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. And in between those examinations, it’s important that you work to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. If you need additional help, your dentist may even suggest more frequent visits.
What Goes On During A Regular Visit ?
Checking your teeth for tooth decay is just one part of a thorough dental examination. During your checkup appointment, your dentist (or dental hygienist) will likely evaluate the health of your gums, perform a head and neck examination (to look for anything out of the ordinary) and examine your mouth for any indications of oral cancer, diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. Don’t be surprised if your dentist also examines your face, bite, saliva and movement of your lower jaw joints (TMJs). Your dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits.
The Clinical Dental Examination
Examining the gums
Looking for signs of gum disease
Checking for loose teeth
Looking at the tissues inside of your mouth
Examining your tongue
Checking your bite
Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
Checking for broken teeth
Checking for damaged fillings
Looking for changes in the gums covering teeth
Evaluating any dental appliance you have
Checking the contact between your teeth
Taking X-rays
The Dental Cleaning
During the final part of the dental visit, your dental professional cleans your mouth using these methods
Step 1
Checking the cleanliness of your teeth and gums
Step 2
Polishing your teeth
Step 3
Removing any plaque and tartar
Step 4
Flossing between your teeth
Step 5
Reviewing recommended brushing and flossing techniques
Once your examination and cleaning have been performed, they’ll tell you about the health of your teeth and gums and then make any additional recommendations. It’s important that you see your dentist every six months and that they give you routine examination and cleaning. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
