The Importance of Regular Dental Examinations

Why does your dentist want to schedule another appointment with you so soon, even if your oral examination today was perfect? Simply put, regular dental visits are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

To maintain healthy teeth, a good oral care regimen at home must be supplemented with an examination at least every six months. Depending on particular details of your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

Several months after a hygiene appointment, teeth can have plaque build-up as well as stains from food, beverages, tobacco, etc. Over time, plaque build-up can harden into tartar (or calculus) formation. Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth and encourage you to maintain good oral hygiene with advice based on how you present.

Checking your teeth for decay or cavities is only a small part of a thorough dental exam. During each visit, your dentist or dental hygienist will also:

• Check your gums (gingiva), tooth mobility and pockets for signs of inflammation or gum disease
• Examine your mouth for indications of possible cancer, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies
• Evaluate your need for tooth restoration or replacement
• Note any irregularities in your facial structure, bite, saliva and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• Include x-rays or other diagnostic procedures as required.

After your exam, your dentist will discuss with you your overall oral health, including any risks or issues you may have, and preventative measures you can take to improve and protect your smile. We might recommend follow-ups or treatment plans depending on any number of factors that we are always more than happy to discuss with you. We love your questions and believe an informed patient is a healthy one!

So now you know! Are you due for a dental check-up soon? Click here to request an appointment with us today!

Sources:

• Canadian Dental Association
• WebMD