Regular Check-up, Why?

Having to visit the dentist every six months may not be the appointment that everyone looks forward to, but it is one of the most important ones to keep because they help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit, the examination and the cleaning or oral hygiene.

During the first part of your visit, your dental professional will check for cavities. Pictures of your teeth and X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. The exam will also include a check of your gums and a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.

During the check-up the dentist will examine carefully your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. This is to look for any signs of trouble – swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

Your hygienist will help you and clean your teeth at your visit. Brushing and flossing help clean the plaque from your teeth, but you can’t remove tartar at home. During the cleaning, your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar. This is called scaling; ultrasonic scaling and hand scaling will clean your teeth and help your gums to recover. Your hygienist will also use a floss to check in between your teeth, and the last step of this cleaning is using airflow, which polishes all teeth surfaces.

It’s important that you see your dentist every six months and that they give you routine examination and cleaning. Remember, by seeing your dentist on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.