Oral Examinations
By attending regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, your dentist will be able to see any oral health problems and develop a plan to address 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. Routine dental examinations and cleanings not only help to maintain your dental health, but they also help to achieve a whiter smile.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
An oral cancer screening just takes a few minutes, and the sooner a problem is identified and a definitive diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can start.
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.
Hygiene Cleaning
A dental hygiene cleaning consists of a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatments
Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment If you or your child has a high risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
The fluoride your dentists use in these treatments is similar to the fluoride in toothpaste. However, the treatment contains much higher doses and may offer more rapid benefits.
