A regular dental checkup can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. It is a good idea to have a dental checkup at least every six months. If recommended by a dentist, it may be necessary to go even more frequently. A dental checkup typically includes an oral exam and a cleaning.
During a dental checkup, a dental professional will evaluate your oral health and look for any signs of dental problems. Having regular dental checkups can help the dentist identify any issues before they become more serious.
Dental checkups are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Contact us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment.
Why dental checkups are important
Oral health is important to overall health. In addition, oral health problems could be indications of other health problems. Gum disease, for example, can affect the immune system. It is also especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it is linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Identifying and correcting oral health issues early not only helps protect teeth but may also help reduce the risk of other health problems. Most patients should go in for a regular dental checkup once every six months.
“Oral health problems could be indications of other health problems.”
Dental examination
The dentist will speak to the patient about their dental history. They may ask the patient about medications and illnesses, or whether they have any allergies, concerns, or anxieties. Always be honest with our dental team so they can provide the best care possible.
The dental professional will check the teeth for any signs of concern by using a small mirror to look around the mouth. During this examination, they will be looking for swelling, sores, cuts or lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. One of the most important things they will look for is spaces between the gums and teeth called dental pockets. Dental pockets pose a risk to health and may indicate gum disease. The dental professional may recommend home care and monitoring to protect the smile.
“Always be honest with our dental team so they can provide the best care possible.”
The importance of having a routine dental checkup
Skipping regular dental checkups can have serious health consequences. Oral health issues like tooth decay and tartar buildup are very common. When caught early, these types of dental problems can be corrected before serious damage occurs. Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can lead to more serious issues, including tooth loss.
When a tooth is lost, the jaw is weakened, and the remaining teeth are put at risk. The empty space may cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can make chewing difficult or painful. Replacing a lost tooth with a bridge or dental implant can be time-consuming and expensive. Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings can help keep teeth in the mouth longer, possibly for life, and prevent other oral health problems.
“Untreated tooth decay or gum disease can lead to more serious problems, including tooth loss.”
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Keep teeth healthy between dental visits by brushing and flossing regularly. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with an American Dental Association-approved, soft-bristled brush.
Limit sugary foods and drinks, as these contribute to tooth decay. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food from hard-to-reach places between teeth and around the gum line. Tartar buildup in the mouth can be reduced with good oral hygiene. Less tartar means easier dental cleanings and fewer additional dental treatments, such as fillings.
“Keep teeth healthy between dental visits by brushing and flossing regularly.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What does the dentist look for in a dental examination?
Q. Why dental checkups are important?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Q. What to do between dental visits?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
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The difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning
Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all, primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup. In reality, the two are completely different but equally important processes. A dental checkup includes a thorough examination of the patient's mouth. The dental team will take X-rays, examine existing restorations, screen for oral cancer, examine for tooth decay, and screen for gum disease.
They may then conduct a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. A dental cleaning is typically performed by a registered dental hygienist. As stated above, a dental cleaning entails the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum lines. However, it also includes a professional tooth polishing to get rid of plaque and surface stains.
“Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all, primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup.”
Frequently asked questions
Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you could have dental issues that you cannot see yourself, such as cracked teeth or tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, even if you are healthy, it is still a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. If you have dental insurance, these visits are likely covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
You should still see a dentist for a checkup twice a year, even if you are not experiencing any dental symptoms. Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth is important for preventing tooth decay, which can lead to larger dental problems.
Yes. Flossing can remove bacteria and plaque from places that your toothbrush cannot reach. Get in the habit of flossing every day. It only takes a couple of minutes!.
Yes, it is safe to see a dentist when you are pregnant. Just be sure to tell the dentist that you are pregnant. Pregnant women should not be exposed to X-ray radiation.
There are many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues that can only be seen with a dental X-ray. These include infections in the bone, gum disease, small areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings, and more.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Call us today
Following through with dental checkups is how patients can ensure that their smile stays healthy and free of decay or disease. Our dental team is here to help. To schedule a dental checkup or for help with your dental questions, please call our team at 858-748-2101.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.