Even if you take proper care of your teeth and gums, it is recommended to get a dental checkup at least once every six months in order to make sure that any problems are caught right at the beginning by the dentist. In case you have gum disease or any other dental issues, you should get more frequent dental checks. Your dentist is in the best position to decide how often you should get your teeth checked based on your oral health.
The Process of Dental Checkup
During a routine dental checkup, a dentist, dental hygienist or referral practice Jacksonville Dentist in 32223 – Farnham Dentistry Family Practice will do a professional cleaning of your teeth and gums, perform an oral exam and if needed, may also do x-rays. They will also ask about your past dental issues, drug reactions, use of medication, allergies as well as any other chronic diseases.
As far as the cleaning process is concerned, the dentist will use a small metal instrument to get rid of the tartar that lies above as well as below your gum line. In some cases, a vibrating device may also be used to loosen up plaque which is then rinsed away with the help of a stream of water. Once the tartar and plaque have been cleared up, the teeth are polished with the help of a light abrasive paste and this process is then finished up with flossing. This cleaning process makes it more difficult for plaque to accumulate on your teeth.
Once the cleaning has been done, an oral exam will be performed to check for any signs of tooth decay. This is usually done with the help of a metal probe along with a small mirror bent at an angle. During this examination, your dentist will check for gum redness, swelling as well as other important things. Any deep pockets, redness or swelling are early signs of gum disease.
During the examination, a dentist is also likely to check whether your upper and lower teeth come together properly. This is to look for any evidence of tooth grinding or other such issues. The dentist will also examine your lymph glands, neck as well as soft tissues of your mouth to check for signs of any kind of infection as well as oral cancer. In case you’re not sure whether you are checked for oral cancer as part of the dental exam, you may clarify with your dentist and ask him or her to perform this check at each dental exam.
In some cases, dental x-ray pictures may also be required to check any potential issues below the surface of your mouth. The x-rays are done with the help of a specially designed plastic. The dental x-ray shows the visible part of your teeth along with the roots of your teeth below the gum line and your jawline. It allows the dentist to see everything happening in your mouth.
Once the cleaning and dental examination is complete, your dentist will tell you everything going on in your mouth and will also offer you advice on any next steps you might need to take. They may also schedule another dental appointment in the future. It is important to take this advice seriously and follow the recommended tips to take proper care of your teeth and gums.
Need for Regular Dental Checkups
A regular dental check-up at six-month intervals allows your dentist to make sure that you do not develop any major dental problems. If you leave dental problems unattended, it is only going to make it more difficult for your dentist to treat them in the future. Therefore, it is best to treat the dental issues as early as possible.
As far as the frequency of dental checkups is concerned, it will be decided by your dentist. In some cases, it can be as short as three months or it can be as long as two years. Generally, people with good oral health need to get a dental checkup every two years.
Overall, it is important to take care of your gums and teeth between your regular dental checkups. You should brush and floss regularly in order to keep the plaque away from your teeth. It is recommended to brush at least two times each day using a toothpaste containing fluoride. You should also floss your teeth at least once each day and also use mouthwash to control plaque-causing bacteria.