Your oral health and smile matter to us. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are the foundation for problem-free dental health.
It Starts With a Check-Up
Every hour of every day, millions of bacteria are busy wrecking havoc on your teeth and gums. Left unchecked, over the course of months, and years, toothache, bleeding gums, gum disease, tooth loss and worse will often be the result.
That's why it's so important to visit a dentist on a regular schedule for a cleaning and dental checkup. While you may think your teeth look fine and you can skip a visit or a year or two, only a dentist can spot potential problems that could be painful as well as expensive to fix.
The expression, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", is especially true when it comes to your oral health and your smile.
When you come in, you'll first have your teeth cleaned by one of our dental hygienists, who will remove tartar, plaque and stains from your teeth. When your teeth have been cleaned, the dental checkup is next.
There's much more to a dental checkup than checking for cavities.
The check-up includes:
- an oral cancer screening (yes, this is a real threat to your health);
- a review of your overall health and medical history that could impact your dental health (i.e. diabetes);
- a review of your existing X-rays, and taking new X-rays if required;
- inquiring about any problems or changes that you have experienced with your teeth since your last visit with us;
- a detailed assessment of each tooth in your mouth;
- checking the health of your gums;
- and discussing your oral care habits such as proper brushing and flossing techniques and providing advice and guidance where needed.
Depending on the results of your checkup, and whether you're proactive in staying on top of your dental health, the dentist will recommend a followup visit that can vary anywhere from two, three, six, nine and twelve months before your next appointment. The decision is determined on the following factors: the health of your gums, the rate of decay (if any) and the condition of existing dental work.
Remember
Proper oral hygiene not only prevent caries and periodontal disease but also affects your overall health and well-being. A small investment in regular cleanings and dental checkups will pay huge dividends for life.
