Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, your dentist will examine the condition of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. Dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening, and other diagnostic procedures may also be included in exams.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will examine your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer that are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
To keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent disease.
To begin, a scaler will be used to remove any tartar and plaque buildup. They will then use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any remaining stains or plaque, followed by flossing your teeth and gums thoroughly.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or your child is at high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel, thereby preventing or reversing tooth decay.
