Imperative To Oral Health
Parents, guardians, and even school teachers may have told you about the need to visit your dentist every six months, at the least. Some do not believe it is even a priority as far as oral health is concerned. Some do believe but find out later that negligence has led to serious issues. This is not an idle saying; only a professional dental practitioner can ascertain your issues and ascribe treatment. Find out more.
A regular dental visit involves two parts – an oral examination or checkup and a cleaning, also called oral prophylaxis. It is advised every 6 months, or upon your dentist’s recommendation.
An oral examination allows your dentist to determine your current oral health status. The professional will check the presence of early cavities or tooth decay; tartar and plaque may be found in places you have failed to clean thoroughly; chips or cracks you don’t see with the naked eye can be discovered. If you are a first-timer patient, an X-ray will be taken of your entire oral cavity that will be the baseline photograph of your oral health state. It is unique to you and it identifies you from all others. It may show your dental fillings, if any, crown and root alignment, missing teeth, arch characteristics, and presence of any cyst or mass in your soft tissue or bone. X-rays may be taken again to update the changes in your records.
Your gums will also be checked. Signs of gingivitis may manifest of which you are not aware; gum recession and the presence of pockets between gum and teeth are early warnings of serious gum problems. Among others, your tongue will be checked for growths and change of color, as well as checking for changes or the presence of sores on the soft tissue around the mouth, particularly along your throat. An examination of your face, the head and neck are part and parcel of a thorough dental examination. All the information is entered into your personal record that the office keeps.
Oral prophylaxis is part of a 6-monthly dental visit. This is the best chance to ensure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy. Only a professional cleaning using specific tools and materials can safely and effectively remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. You cannot do it on your own.
Remember that while regular dental visits are important, you must be able to keep your mouth healthy in between these visits by following your dentist’s instructions on proper oral hygiene and other recommendations.
Your Partner In Optimal Oral Health in Issaquah
Have regular dental checkups in Issaquah. Your Issaquah dentist is your best partner in achieving optimal oral health.
