Going to a dental check up is a vital step in making sure that you protect your oral health. Brushing, flossing and mouth rinsing are few of the oral hygiene routines that most do. However, a regular dental cleaning is also needed to secure your teeth and gums from getting infections and diseases such as periodontitis and tooth decay.
Many patients understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and gums. Yet, the reluctance of scheduling a regular dental check up is still a common issue even today. This is because the advantage of check ups and cleaning are misconstrued. Most are under the impression that if they religiously follow their oral hygiene, tooth decay and discolouration can be avoided.
What to expect during a dental check up?
Many patients equate an oral check up with teeth cleaning. Although an oral prophylaxis is an important step during your dental visit, however, a checkup involves so much more. Your Ontario dentist recommends that you schedule your dental check up every six months. This will ensure that you detect any problems and prevent them from getting severe. The earlier the oral problems are identified, the more time, effort and resources you save in treating them. Here are a few things to expect during your visits:
- On your first visit, your dental practitioner will take your record including any allergies and dietary information. This will then be updated every scheduled visit during the year.
- He will take an X-ray of your mouth and run some dental tests on your first visit. This will be his basis for any treatment on your next regular dental check up.
- Your dentist will visually check for cracks or decay in your teeth and mouth sores. Also, he will check for any tender lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck.
- A gingival pocket exam is also necessary to check if there is a presence of gum disease such as This disease comes from a hard formation of tartar called “calculus“. It can erode your teeth’s enamel and expose your dentine which will result in sensitivity and decay.
- You will also be provided with an expert recommendation on at-home teeth cleaning tips to keep your oral health in top shape.
Dental X-rays are not necessary every time you visit for a dental check up. This is only done on the first visit to help check if there are any issues such as an impacted wisdom tooth. It also gives your dentist a clear picture of how healthy your teeth are and if there are any infections.
What should you do after your dental check up?
Stick to your oral hygiene regimen.
After your routine check up in the dental clinic, your dentist will recommend that you stick with your oral hygiene. This will ensure that you prevent any oral issues such as tooth decay and gum infections. Keeping a daily teeth cleaning routine lets you veer away from the formation of tartar and plaque.
Watch your food intake.
When and what to eat? This is one of the most common concerns of patients after their regular dental check up. It is a valid concern and your dentist does not have any limitations as to what you should eat. However, the temperature of the food is something to be considered as hot and cold food can be a discomfort. This is due to the fact that newly cleaned and polished teeth are sensitive for a few hours.
Wait for fluoride treatment to take effect.
Wait for at least 30 minutes after the treatment for fluoride to seal your teeth before taking your meal. This treatment is done to make your teeth stronger. It is important that you wait the recommended duration so that the fluoride shields your teeth.
Skipping your routinary oral check up with your dentist puts your overall health at risk. Make time to visit your local dentist today and schedule an appointment before your teeth gives you a painful reason to do so.
