3 Things To Expect During Your Dental Check Up

25 March 2019
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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According to the American Dental Association, everybody should get their teeth cleaned and get a check-up from their dentist every six months. By getting it done every six months, it's easier for your dentist to keep your teeth clean and catch things like gingivitis before they get worse. If you haven't been to the dentist in a really long time, then you may not remember what you should expect. Luckily, this article will take a closer look at three specific things that you can expect during your dental checkup. Are you ready to dive deeper and learn a little bit more? Read on. 

1. A Brief Exam

Usually, the first thing that your dentist will do is take a closer look at your mouth and your teeth. This part of the examination is done in order to check for things such as oral cancer, cysts, gum disease, any unusual growths, or anything else that can be seen with the eye. Also, your dentist will usually take a closer look at things like your throat and will even feel your throat for lumps. Also during this time, your dentist will usually talk to you about any concerns that you've been having or any changes that you may have noticed going on in your mouth. 

2. Cleaning

After your examination is done, your dentist will then do the biggest part of the check-up and will do the cleaning. Depending on your dentist, they may do the cleaning themselves or they may have their dental hygienist help with this part. Typically, they will use a small metal tool to scrape off tartar build up around the bottom of your teeth and near your gum line. Then, your dentist will also clean in between every tooth and thoroughly inspect your mouth for cavities. Sometimes, it's not until the cleaning that your dentist notices things like cavities when they are getting really down and dirty in your mouth. After they have cleaned your teeth off, they will then polish them with a fluoride paste. 

3. X-Rays

Either before or after your cleaning, your dentist will request that x-rays be done on your mouth. X-rays are a great way to look for things like holes in your teeth but they're especially great at allowing your dentist to look for things like bone loss or deterioration. 

Now that you know a bit more about what you can expect, contact your family dentist today and schedule an appointment with them.