Dental checkups are vital to keeping your mouth healthy.
Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining oral health. Procedures used during a checkup are noninvasive and vital to determining if there are any issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Medical History
The first step is to fill out a form and answer questions about your medical and dental history. This determines if there are any existing issues like tooth sensitivity.
Visual Examination
The dental hygienist will look at your mouth with a probe to determine if there are any visible problems. She will examine each tooth and make a chart of your mouth to record things like missing teeth.
Cleaning
Teeth cleaning is done with a probe that gently scrapes away plaque and a mirror for added visibility. Your teeth will be flossed and polished with a toothbrush that has a small, rotating head.
X-Ray
Some cavities are small or occur between the teeth. X-rays are taken to better identify them. You will be given a protective shield to wear to minimize the effects of radiation.
Finishing Up
The last step is sometimes a fluoride treatment, done by applying a gel or foam to the teeth for several minutes. The dentist then double-checks the hygienist's work, studies your X-rays and determines if further treatment is necessary.
Tags: your mouth, issues like, issues like tooth, like tooth, with probe
