What to expect at your next dental checkup?

What to expect from a dental checkup

Dental checkups are a vital component of your oral hygiene routine. In fact, It is recommended that you visit your dentist twice every year. Checkups are important as they ensure that your teeth and gums are in optimal shape.

The Checkup

A checkup will usually start with your dental professional inspecting your teeth for cavities. This is usually done via a visual inspection but an x-ray may be taken to ensure a more thorough check. Next, your teeth will be checked for any plaque buildup that should be removed. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing so if you take good care of your teeth, this won’t be an issue for you. Most dental professionals recommend brushing your teeth twice a day. When you wake up and before you go to sleep.

The next part of a dental checkup would consist of your dentist inspecting your gums. This is done by hand with the use of a dental instrument. Your dentist will check for gaps between your teeth and gums. If the gaps around your teeth are small and narrow, this indicates that your gums are in good condition. However, if the gaps are wider this may be a sign of gum disease. After your teeth and gums are inspected, the dentist may also examine your tongue, neck and your throat. These areas will be checked for any inflammation or redness or even any possible signs of cancer development.

Your checkup might also include a cleaning after your oral cavity has been thoroughly examined. Your hygienist or dentist will begin to remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth through a procedure called scaling. Tartar is formed when the layer of plaque on your teeth solidifies and plaque is a form of Bacteria. Tartar is not removable by brushing and flossing, this is one of the many reasons it’s important to visit your dentist twice annually. Once the scaling process is complete, your hygienist may polish your teeth and then finally floss them. This concludes your dental checkup and cleaning session.

How you should take care of your teeth

It is important that you take care of your teeth at home. Your daily dental care routine should include brushing your teeth twice a day (In the morning and at night), flossing after brushing, additionally, you may opt to use mouthwash for a deeper cleanse. As an added bonus, this will provide you with a pleasant smelling breathe. Visit our milton dental clinic, Trilliant Dentistry, for a dental exam and instructions on how to take care of your teeth.;