By having regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, your dentist can keep a close eye on your oral health and quickly identify any issues that may arise. During these exams, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite to ensure they are functioning properly.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your oral health, your dentist may also take dental X-rays, conduct an oral cancer screening, and perform other necessary diagnostic procedures. By doing so, they can develop a personalized treatment plan to maintain or improve your oral health.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can have an impact on any area within the mouth or the tissues surrounding it. During your dental examination, your dentist will meticulously inspect your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any potential indications of oral cancer, which can often be challenging to identify.
Oral Health Care at Home
Maintaining a healthy smile between dental appointments can be as easy as brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each session, flossing once a day, and eating a tooth healthy diet. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine can help to ensure that your teeth and gums stay in tip-top shape.
Prior to or after your examination, your dental hygienist will perform a comprehensive examination in order to assess the health of your teeth and supporting tissues. After this examination, your hygienist will complete your hygiene visit with scaling, polishing, and flossing of your teeth to help eliminate plaque and calculus.
Throughout your hygiene visit, your dental hygienist will discuss with you your oral hygiene habits, dietary habits, and dental history. This information will help to create a hygiene care plan customized to your needs.
Your dental professional may suggest a fluoride therapy if you are at risk of caries. Fluoride, a natural mineral, works by replenishing the essential minerals in your tooth enamel, thereby reducing the risk of or repairing existing tooth decay.