Most dentists recommend a check up and cleaning of the teeth a couple times a year, unless some extenuating circumstances require more frequent visits. But what should you expect to occur at such check ups?
And yes, these visits are necessary to prevent and detect cavities and keep the gums healthy. But what else would a good dentist do? There are a lot of other actions a dentist can do to help you maintain good dental health.
One of the first things a dentist should do is ask about your health history - not just about your teeth, but about any medical conditions, medications or illnesses. With this information a dentist can discover what might affect your teeth and mouth.
A dentist will do x-rays to find cavities. But additionally, he should check x-rays for bone and teeth position, and for cysts, tumors and any loss of bone.
A check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums should be done to screen for oral cancer.
A gum disease evaluation should be done by checking gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Specialized dental tools should be used to check every surface of every tooth for cavities.
Calculus is a hardened plaque that clings to teeth over a longer period of time. This has to be removed with specialized dental tools. Since it is steadfastly attached to the surface of teeth, it cannot be removed with brushing or polishing. A good dentist will perform this removal.
Plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria, food particles and saliva which is nearly invisible, must be removed. If the plaque has caused inflammation, that can be the beginning of gum disease.
Polishing the teeth removed stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
The dentist should make oral hygiene recommendations such as oral hygiene aids that would be needed (for example electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
A dentist should discuss with you your eating habits and diet. What you eat can affect your dental condition.
Now you know - there's more to good dentistry than twice a year checks for cavities and a cleaning. Pick your dentist by using this checklist. - 29879
And yes, these visits are necessary to prevent and detect cavities and keep the gums healthy. But what else would a good dentist do? There are a lot of other actions a dentist can do to help you maintain good dental health.
One of the first things a dentist should do is ask about your health history - not just about your teeth, but about any medical conditions, medications or illnesses. With this information a dentist can discover what might affect your teeth and mouth.
A dentist will do x-rays to find cavities. But additionally, he should check x-rays for bone and teeth position, and for cysts, tumors and any loss of bone.
A check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums should be done to screen for oral cancer.
A gum disease evaluation should be done by checking gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Specialized dental tools should be used to check every surface of every tooth for cavities.
Calculus is a hardened plaque that clings to teeth over a longer period of time. This has to be removed with specialized dental tools. Since it is steadfastly attached to the surface of teeth, it cannot be removed with brushing or polishing. A good dentist will perform this removal.
Plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria, food particles and saliva which is nearly invisible, must be removed. If the plaque has caused inflammation, that can be the beginning of gum disease.
Polishing the teeth removed stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.
The dentist should make oral hygiene recommendations such as oral hygiene aids that would be needed (for example electric dental toothbrushes, special cleaning aids, fluorides, rinses, etc.).
A dentist should discuss with you your eating habits and diet. What you eat can affect your dental condition.
Now you know - there's more to good dentistry than twice a year checks for cavities and a cleaning. Pick your dentist by using this checklist. - 29879
