Regular Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining a healthy smile. They are a critical part of your oral health and we recommend them to all of our patrons. Dental checkups should be completed every six months to maintain optimal oral health.
Regular Dental Checkups
A dental checkup provides us with the opportunity to examine your oral health and monitor any changes that have occurred since your last visit. At Barrhaven Dental Studio, a regular dental checkup includes a variety of services, all of which are critical for your oral health.
- Check-in at the front desk. The first step in any visit is to check in at the front desk—please bring your most recent insurance card to each appointment.
- X-rays, if needed. Occasionally we use digital X-rays to obtain a detailed view of your teeth and their health to detect any conditions that may be hidden beneath the surface, such as internal decay, periodontitis, jawbone deterioration, cysts, and oral cancer. We work to ensure any discomfort is minimized during this part of your visit.
- Professional teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist will complete your teeth cleaning to clean and polish your teeth while eliminating any plaque, bacteria, and other buildups on your teeth that cannot be removed with at-home brushing and flossing.
- Exam. After your teeth are cleaned, Dr. Bakkali will complete a full examination of your oral health, including identifying if any cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or signs of oral cancer are present to identify any possible issues as soon as possible. We also check your face, tongue, throat, gums, and other soft oral tissues for any signs of risk or disease.
Preventative Care Strategies
Besides having your teeth cleaned and stains polished off, our comfortable dental cleaning also provides other preventative services, such as:
Dental Sealants — Deep grooves and pits in your back teeth are at a higher risk of cavities. Placing a protective sealant over these surfaces makes them easier to clean and lowers your chances of developing tooth decay.
Fluoride Treatment — Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, fights sensitivity, and reverses the earliest stage of tooth decay (demineralization). Dental insurance typically covers fluoride treatments for children, but our adult patients can take advantage of the service as well.
Oral Cancer Screenings — This deadly disease is linked to viruses like HPV, sun exposure, and tobacco/alcohol use. Early screening could save your life. We complete a cancer exam as part of every checkup appointment.
Diagnostic X-rays — Intermittent X-rays allow us to identify new areas of decay or bone loss around your teeth so that we can treat them in the least invasive manner before they become worse.
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Why is regular teeth cleaning important?
Many oral health concerns can only be detected through a thorough examination by a trained dentist. Dental checkups provide oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and professional cleanings to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildups that daily brushing and flossing won’t effectively eliminate.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, so early intervention is essential. Once gum disease has taken its toll on the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored, but only managed or replaced. The dental hygienist will use a small ruler to gently measure the gum “pocket” around each of your teeth, making note of areas that you can’t clean with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used in conjunction with these measurements, to identify areas of bone recession.
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How often should you get dental checkups?
Ideally, dental checkups are performed every six months. On your first visit to the dentist, they will ask for a full health history to gain an understanding of your past and current health. From there, regular dental checkups will be used to determine any change in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth in good shape or maintained appropriately.
The Canadian Dental Association, and most dentists, recommend six months because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit is the best way to ensure you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
As long as your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup, six months is about the average length of time for tartar and stain to accumulate to the point of needing another teeth cleaning. For individuals with a history of periodontitis, those maintenance visits may need to be as frequently as every 3-4 months.
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Why are brushing and flossing important?
We all know brushing and flossing make our mouth feel great. But, brushing and flossing do more than freshen breath – they physically disrupt the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. It’s important to disrupt and remove the sticky film so diseases like cavities and gum disease are less likely to happen. There are a lot of products on the market that claim they are the best. Make sure to talk about the options with your hygienist to get the best recommendation.
And as you know, it is important to brush twice a day for at least two minutes, and floss once. Helping and encouraging your child to make brushing and flossing a part of their habits will help them have a healthy smile as kids and throughout their lifetime!
Is It Time For Your Next Checkup?
If you have more questions about dental checkups and other preventative dental care, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
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