Good overall health care includes periodic dental examinations and professional teeth cleaning.
Regular visits to the dentist's office are usually scheduled twice a year, beginning at the age of 1. If you have certain chronic diseases, are cavity-prone or get a lot of plaque buildup, you may need to go more often. Your dentist will recommend an exam and cleaning schedule for you that addresses your particular needs and will advise you on how to prevent potential dental problems. Even people with dentures need regular dental checkups to check their bite and soft tissues. Regular checkups help detect dental problems early.
If this is your first visit, the dentist may ask you to fill out a form that asks about your medical history and any drug allergies. Some medical conditions such as some heart disorders require you to take antibiotics before dental procedures.
The dentist will examine your gums and the soft tissue of your mouth for receding gums, oral cancer and other disorders. Gaps between the base of your teeth and gums, an indicator of gum disease, will be measured with an instrument called a periodontal probe. Your teeth will be examined with a mirror and sharp probe for cavities, worn and loose fillings, broken teeth and infections. The dentist may also examine the joint that connects your jaws for any sign of dysfunction. If you wear dentures, your gums will be examined for signs of pressure and uneven wear.
X-rays are taken periodically to check the teeth and surrounding tissue and bone for any conditions that would not show up in an exam. These may include hidden decay, impacted teeth, tumors, absesses and bone disease.
The dentist or dental hygienist will then clean your teeth. Cleaning removes plaque, a sticky substance that collects on the teeth as a result of improper brushing or flossing, and hardened plaque called calculus or tartar. Tartar will be removed, usually by scraping it loose with a sharp instrument called a scaler. In some people, plaque builds up very quickly and must be removed every few months. Your teeth will be polished with a special toothpaste and a device with a rotating rubber head. Then they are flossed. You may also have a fluoride application to help prevent cavities.
