Most dentists recommend a check up and cleaning of the teeth a couple times a year, unless some extenuating circumstances require more frequent visits. But what should you expect to occur at such check ups?
Of course the dentist will check for cavities and clean your teeth. And it is necessary that you attend to the health of your teeth and gums by having regular cleanings and exams. But there are other things that a good dentist will do at a check up to prevent future problems with teeth and gums and to maintain current health.
One of the first things a dentist should do is ask about your health history - not just about your teeth, but about any medical conditions, medications or illnesses. With this information a dentist can discover what might affect your teeth and mouth.
X-rays should be done to not only find cavities, tumors, cysts and bone loss, but also to determine tooth and root positions.
A good dentist will know how to check for signs of oral cancer - and an examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat and gums will be done.
Periodontal disease should be evaluated by an examination of gums and bone around the teeth. Periodontal disease is gum disease.
Specialized dental tools should be used to check every surface of every tooth for cavities.
Calculus is a hardened plaque that clings to teeth over a longer period of time. This has to be removed with specialized dental tools. Since it is steadfastly attached to the surface of teeth, it cannot be removed with brushing or polishing. A good dentist will perform this removal.
Plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria, food particles and saliva which is nearly invisible, must be removed. If the plaque has caused inflammation, that can be the beginning of gum disease.
Removing stains and plaque on the teeth by polishing is definitely to be expected at any dental check up and cleaning.
The dentist should make oral hygiene recommendations such as oral hygiene aids that would be needed (for example electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
A dentist should discuss diet with you and recommend whatever is needed to improve dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.
Of course the dentist will check for cavities and clean your teeth. And it is necessary that you attend to the health of your teeth and gums by having regular cleanings and exams. But there are other things that a good dentist will do at a check up to prevent future problems with teeth and gums and to maintain current health.
One of the first things a dentist should do is ask about your health history - not just about your teeth, but about any medical conditions, medications or illnesses. With this information a dentist can discover what might affect your teeth and mouth.
X-rays should be done to not only find cavities, tumors, cysts and bone loss, but also to determine tooth and root positions.
A good dentist will know how to check for signs of oral cancer - and an examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat and gums will be done.
Periodontal disease should be evaluated by an examination of gums and bone around the teeth. Periodontal disease is gum disease.
Specialized dental tools should be used to check every surface of every tooth for cavities.
Calculus is a hardened plaque that clings to teeth over a longer period of time. This has to be removed with specialized dental tools. Since it is steadfastly attached to the surface of teeth, it cannot be removed with brushing or polishing. A good dentist will perform this removal.
Plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria, food particles and saliva which is nearly invisible, must be removed. If the plaque has caused inflammation, that can be the beginning of gum disease.
Removing stains and plaque on the teeth by polishing is definitely to be expected at any dental check up and cleaning.
The dentist should make oral hygiene recommendations such as oral hygiene aids that would be needed (for example electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
A dentist should discuss diet with you and recommend whatever is needed to improve dental health.
As you can see, a good dental exam and cleaning involves quite a lot more than just checking for cavities and polishing your teeth.
About the Author:
Less stress dentistry ~ Find out more information at North Scottsdale Family Dentistry This and other unique content '' articles are available with free reprint rights.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment