Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and make a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your exam, 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
Any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues can be affected by oral cancer. During your exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer that can be difficult for patients to detect with the naked eye but could develop on your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
Oral Health Care at Home
To help keep your smile healthy between dental appointments, 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 and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler 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
Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment if you or your child is at high risk of tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can help rebuild minerals in your tooth enamel, thereby preventing or reversing tooth decay.
