Importance of Regular Dental Checkup and Cleaning
Mar 6, 2021
How often should you go to see the dentist?
Your dentist recommends you come back every six months 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.
What to expect during a dental visit?
During your regular checkup appointment, your dentist will perform a head and neck examination to look for anything out of the ordinary. The dentist will evaluate the health of your gum, mouth, tongue, throat and your teeth and stress the importance of you maintaining good oral hygiene at home between visits. Plaque and tartar can build up in a very short time if good oral hygiene is not practiced between visits. Food, beverages and tobacco can stain teeth as well. If not removed, soft plaque can harden on the teeth and irritate the gum tissue. If not treated, plaque can lead to gum disease.
Head and Neck Examination
- Examine your face and neck
- Examine your lymph nodes
- Check your jaw joints (TMJ)
Dental Examination
- Assess the gum, look for signs of gum disease
- Examine soft tissue inside of your mouth (lip, cheek, hard/soft palate, throat, tongue, floor of the mouth)
- Oral cancer screening
- Check your bite
- Examine your teeth condition (look for active tooth decay, broken teeth and damaged fillings, check the contact between your teeth)
- Evaluate any dental appliance you have
- Update necessary X-rays
Dental Cleaning
- Remove stain, plaque and tartar
- Polish your teeth
- Floss between your teeth
- Oral hygiene instruction by reviewing brushing and flossing techniques
It's important that you see your dentist every six months to have a routine examination and cleaning. By seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gum healthy.
The importance of dental exams and cleanings is also underscored by the financial benefits. Making sure your oral health stays in good condition can avoid costly dental procedures later.
