Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, allow your dentist to identify any oral health issues and develop a treatment plan 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 impact 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
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 dental appointments.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to treat and prevent 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
Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment if a patient has a high risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
