Oral Examinations
Regular oral exams, ideally twice a year, allow your dentist to identify any oral health issues and devise a treatment plan.
During your exam, your dentist will examine the condition of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite.
Dental X-rays, oral cancer screening, and other diagnostic procedures may also be included in exams.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or the tissues surrounding it. During your exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer that are difficult to detect with the naked eye. These can include signs on your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums.
Oral Health Care at Home
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day, to keep your smile healthy in between dental appointments.
Hygiene Cleaning
Your dental hygienist will perform a cleaning of your teeth and gums before or after your exam to prevent and treat diseases.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque buildup.
They will then polish your teeth and gums with a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any remaining stains or plaque, followed by flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or your child is at high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also advise you to use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can aid in rebuilding minerals in your tooth enamel, thereby preventing or reversing tooth decay.
