Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams are ideally twice a year. These give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
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
During your physical exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. This is an important step, as oral cancer can affect any of the tissue in or surrounding the mouth.
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 appointments!
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform 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 Treatment
If you or your child has a high 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 to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
