What Should You Expect at a Regular Dental Visit?
Routine dental visits can help prevent plaque from turning into tartar and catch any other problems early on before they worsen. At a routine cleaning, the dental hygienist will start by giving you a physical exam of your mouth, checking your teeth and gums for any signs of cavities or inflammation. If you are due for X-rays, the dentist will take them shortly after. Following the physical exam, the dentist will clean and polish your teeth and finish with flossing. The hygienist might also provide a dental sealant and/or fluoride treatment depending on the dentist’s recommendations.
What are the Steps of a Routine Dental Visit?
- Physical Exam: Teeth cleanings are often done by a dental hygienist. The hygienist will start the cleaning by giving an oral exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They will look for any signs of decay, oral issues, or gum disease. The hygienist will use small dental instruments like a small mirror and a dental explorer tool similar to a small pick. If any major problems are detected, the hygienist will call upon the dentist for a closer examination.
- Removal of Plaque and Tartar: While using a small mirror to see the teeth closely, the hygienist will precisely remove any buildup of plaque or tartar between the teeth or around the gum line. Both plaque and tartar are preventable by regular brushing and flossing, so the amount of buildup present determines how long this part of the process will take.
- Cleaning and Polishing: After the plaque and tartar are removed, the dental hygienist will begin cleaning and polishing the teeth. They will use a gritty toothpaste and a high-speed polishing tool to buff and clean the teeth. This process will remove any plaque that is left over, as well as any surface stains or leftover food particles. Your teeth will feel and look clean and fresh, also making it harder for plaque to adhere to the enamel in the future.
- Floss & Oral Rinse: The hygienist will then floss between each tooth. This will remove any plaque, food, or toothpaste from between each tooth or along the gum line. After flossing, the hygienist will have you rinse your mouth with water to wash away any debris.
- Fluoride Treatment: After removing plaque and tartar, cleaning, and flossing, the dentist might recommend a fluoride treatment. Plaque that forms on teeth can cause erosion, which leads to cavities. Fluoride, a mineral, helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities from forming. A fluoride treatment is very beneficial, as teeth can weaken and be more susceptible to decay and breakage over time.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
For most people, it is recommended to visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and routine checkup. These routine visits can help prevent plaque from turning into tartar and catch any other problems early on before they worsen.
Some people need to visit the dentist more often than once every six months. Depending on your age, you may have to visit more or less frequently. If you have pre-existing conditions such as frequent cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you visit more often than every six months. If you have a high sugar intake or smoke, you might need to see the hygienist more often to maintain optimal oral health.
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