Brushing and flossing regularly are essential steps to keeping your teeth clean and healthy, but there’s more to keeping your smile in good shape. To minimize your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems, it’s also important to visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and exam. To better understand how these routine check-ups can protect your smile, here’s a simple overview of what happens during the dental exam process.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Appointment?

Discuss General Health

By knowing what medications you’re currently taking and what new medical conditions you may have, your dentist will be able to make informed decisions about your care. For example, if you’re pregnant, your provider will know to look out for signs of gingivitis, as expectant mothers experience hormonal changes that make them more susceptible to the condition.

Evaluate Teeth and Gums

Using a series of tools, your dentist will assess the physical integrity of your teeth to check for decay and infection. The gums will also be measured to determine if gum disease has contributed to tissue loss. If you’ve had dental work performed in the past, this physical inspection will also make sure those treatments are still functioning properly.

While not part of every dental exam, some appointments may require an x-ray, especially if you’re experiencing pain or exhibiting signs of an infection. In a process that only takes a few minutes, your provider will capture images that reveal the inside of your teeth, gums, and jaw. This view can be valuable in detecting a wide range of potential oral health problems, such as impacted wisdom teeth and root canal infections. If problems are present, your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment for treatment or be able to perform the work on the same day.

Deep Clean

After your oral health has been assessed, your dentist or hygienist will carefully clean the tooth enamel and gum tissue using specialized tools. This in-depth cleaning is designed to remove cavity-causing plaque and tartar that routine brushing and flossing cannot eliminate.

Protect Your Smile

There are a variety of treatments that may be used at the end of your appointment to provide added protection for your smile. For instance, young patients will sometimes receive dental sealants, a thin plastic coating placed on molars to shield against bacteria and food debris build-up. Fluoride treatments may also be applied to help protect your teeth.

If you’re due for a cleaning or checkup, turn to New Horizons Dental for a stress-free experience. Taking a gentle approach, this family dentist’s office of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, is recognized for making routine check-ups and advanced dental work as comfortable as possible. Through regular appointments, this provider will monitor your oral health and offer the latest solutions to keep your smile in good shape. Visit their practice online to learn more about their comprehensive care, or call (715) 424-7810 to schedule a dental exam.