Regular Dental Checkup

Why are dental checkups important?

Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups provide oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is essential. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored, but only managed or replaced. The dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in conjunction with these measurements, to identify areas of bone recession.

What should I expect during a dental checkup?

A typical dental checkup includes two main components: the dental exam and teeth cleaning.

• Dental Exam: During the exam, your dentist will check for cavities, examine your gums for signs of gum disease, and evaluate your overall oral health. This may involve dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures to get a detailed view of your teeth and jaw.
• Teeth Cleaning: Professional teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, involves removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your dental hygienist will also polish your teeth and may offer fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.

What are the signs of oral cancer?

Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, and sinuses. Because early detection is critical to overcoming the disease, make an appointment with your doctor if any of the following occur:

• Sore, swelling, lumps or thick patches in or around your mouth
• The feeling of a lump or object in your throat
• Numbness or pain anywhere in your mouth
• Loose teeth with no dental cause
• Lingering sore throat or hoarseness
• Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
• Trouble moving your jaw, swallowing or speaking
• Pain in your ear without loss of hearing

Over half of those in the U.S. survive oral cancer after five years, according to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, but it is critical it is caught early.

Why are brushing and flossing important?

We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.

And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. If you have a hard time remembering to floss, connect it with a daily activity you always do. You can floss in the shower or while driving to work!

What are other preventative dental care strategies?

Besides having your teeth cleaned and stain polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:

Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.

Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service for only $29.

Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.

Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth, so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they become worse.