Oral Examinations
Regular dental exams, ideally twice a year, give your dentist the opportunity to identify any emerging 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
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer which are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day will help keep your smile healthy in between professional dental appointments.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your oral exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to help prevent and treat disease.
Your hygienist will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up and then they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque. To finish, they will thoroughly floss 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.
