Regular Dental Checkups in Barrhaven, Ontario
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.
The Importance of 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?
Regular teeth cleaning is essential for maintaining good oral health. A thorough dental checkup detects many oral health concerns that may not be apparent otherwise. During a dental checkup, a trained dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening, take digital X-rays to check for hidden issues, and provide professional cleaning to eliminate plaque, bacteria, and other buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove effectively.
Gum disease is a prevalent cause of tooth loss, and early intervention is crucial. Once gum disease has damaged the tooth and supporting bone, it cannot be restored; it can only be managed or replaced. The dental hygienist will measure the gum pocket around each tooth using a small ruler, noting areas that cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush or floss. X-rays are used with these measurements to identify areas of bone recession.
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How often should you get dental checkups?
Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Ideally, you should get a dental checkup every six months. During your first visit, the dentist will ask about your medical history to understand your current and past health conditions. Then, regular checkups will detect changes in your oral health and keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
The Canadian Dental Association and most dentists recommend a six-month interval for dental checkups because the maintenance and cleaning provided at each visit are the best ways to ensure healthy teeth and gums. If your mouth is free of gum disease and heavy buildup, six months is the average length of time before tartar and stains accumulate to the point of requiring another teeth cleaning. However, if you have a history of periodontitis, you may need to schedule maintenance visits more frequently, such as every 3-4 months.
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Why are brushing and flossing important?
Brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. Not only do they give us a clean mouth and fresh breath, but they also disrupt and remove the complex network of bacteria called a biofilm. By removing this sticky film, we can prevent diseases like cavities and gum disease from occurring. With so many products on the market, discussing the options with your hygienist is important to get the best recommendation.
For optimal results, brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes each and flossing once daily is recommended. Encouraging children to adopt these habits early on can help them maintain a healthy smile 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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