Regular dental checkups play a crucial role in maintaining excellent oral hygiene and serve as the most effective means to identify issues in their nascent phases. Timely detection and treatment spare you from needless discomfort, as well as both time and financial investments.
As per the guidance of the Academy of General Dentistry, biannual checkups are strongly advised. It’s important to note that oral hygiene requirements evolve with age and the specific condition of your teeth and gums. Therefore, your dentist might propose a checkup regimen that necessitates more frequent visits than the standard biannual recommendation.
During a dental exam, the dentist and hygienist will:
- Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene
- Provide a visual exam of your mouth, face, jaw, and neck
- Take dental x-rays and/or diagnostic photos
- Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease
- Evaluate your need for tooth restoration or tooth replacement
- Check your bite and jaw for problems
- Remove any stains or deposits on your teeth
- Demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for your teeth or dentures
- Assess your need for fluoride
Sometimes a routine dental cleaning is not enough. It might have been a few years since your last cleaning, or you might have some other factors leading to gum disease.