Ever heard of the saying “prevention is better than cure”

A regular dental check-up is an important preventative measure as it keeps your teeth and gums healthy.  It is also one of the most cost-effective and pain-free dental procedures. A check-up every 6 months or as recommended as one can pick up potential dental issues relatively early.

What happens at your dental visit?

There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit – dental check-up and the cleaning.

At the dental check-up, your dentist will check for cavities. X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.

Next, your gums will be checked. This will be done with a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. With healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. When people have gum disease, the spaces may become deeper.

The check-up should also include a careful examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. This is to look for any signs of trouble – swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

Your teeth will also be cleaned at your visit. Brushing and flossing help clean the plaque from your teeth, but you can’t remove tartar at home. During the cleaning, your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar. This is called scaling

Scaling removes plaque and tartar

After your teeth are scaled, they may be polished. In most cases, a gritty paste is used for this. It helps to remove any surface stains on your teeth. The final step is flossing. Your dental professional will use floss to make sure the areas between your teeth are clean.

Quick facts about a regular dental check-up

  • Regular dental visits are important because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • During the dental check-up, your dental professional will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas.
  • During the cleaning, your dental professional will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and may polish your teeth.
  • You should have a regular dental visit at least twice a year or as recommended by your dental professional.