Maintaining a healthy smile requires a few good oral hygiene habits, including getting a checkup and cleaning every six months (or sooner if you have gum disease). Dr. Shue Her and the rest of our team at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville emphasize the importance of preventive dentistry for this very reason. After all, your teeth help you chew efficiently, speak clearly, and smile confidently – they are crucial to your overall quality of life! So, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit, schedule an appointment with us or read on to learn more about what to expect during your checkup and cleaning.
Although each patient’s smile is unique, people with all different dental needs and smile goals need to get a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. Why? To begin, these periodic visits allow our Gainesville dentist to take X-rays, conduct an oral exam, and screen for oral cancer. That way, they can catch any issues that have developed in the earliest stage possible. Of course, the cleaning portion of your visit serves an important purpose as well: it ensures your dental hygienist can remove bacteria, plaque, and other debris from the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss have missed.
Dental checkups usually involve three parts: the X-rays, the oral exam, and the oral cancer screening. Oftentimes, the appointment begins with the X-rays, which will give your dental team a deeper insight into the condition of your teeth and gums. Then, your dentist will feel around your lymph nodes and look at your tongue, the back of your throat, and the floor of your mouth to make sure you aren’t exhibiting any warning signs of oral cancer. Lastly, they will examine your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work you have to ensure everything is in tip-top shape! If it’s not, don’t worry – they can review all of the treatment options available to restore your healthy, happy smile.
There’s a good chance the cleaning will take up the majority of your visit. Using special tools, your dental hygienist will clean along your gumline, remove plaque and tartar, and share any tips they have on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. Before your appointment is over, they will also floss between each tooth, polish your teeth, and answer any questions you have about your oral health.