Why have a dental check up?

Poor dental health is linked to heart disease, bacterial lung infections, premature births, diabetes, strokes and even dementia, meaning regular visits are vital to maintaining good general health and wellbeing.

During a dental check-up, also known as a dental examination or dental appointment, a dentist or dental hygienist assesses your oral health to identify any issues and provide preventive care.

Here's what typically happens during a dental check-up at our practice.

1. Medical History Review - Our dentist may review your medical history to understand any conditions or medications that could affect your oral health.

2. Visual Examination - The dentist or hygienist will visually examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease or other abnormalities. They may use a small mirror and a dental probe to check for cavities, plaque buildup, and gum recession.

3. X-rays - If necessary, X-rays may be taken to detect cavities between teeth, assess bone health, and identify other dental issues that may not be visible during a visual examination.

4. Gum Health Evaluation - The dentist or hygienist checks the health of your gums by measuring the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth. Deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.

5. Professional Cleaning - The dental hygienist may perform a professional cleaning (dental prophylaxis) to remove plaque, tartar (hardened plaque), and surface stains from your teeth. This typically involves scaling (removing plaque and tartar) and polishing to make your teeth smooth and clean.

6. Fluoride Treatment - In most cases, a fluoride treatment will also be applied to strengthen your tooth enamel and help prevent cavities.

At the end of your clean, your dentist will come and provide an overall final check of your teeth and discuss any possible issues that may require attention.