If you have a habit of making New Year’s
resolutions, be sure that you put healthier teeth and gums on your list. Your
teeth and gums are the gateway to the rest of your body, and if you haven’t had
a dental checkup for a while, make an appointment today.
Seeing your dentist twice a year is
imperative if you want to keep tooth decay and gum disease in check. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular dental appointments are just as important as
brushing twice and flossing once a day when it comes to preventive dental care.
During your comprehensive dental examination,
your dentist, or dental hygienist, will clean your teeth while evaluating your
gums looking for bone loss, swelling or inflammation and redness. Your dentist
may also use a probe to gently poke your gums. If bleeding is present, your
dentist may recommend scaling and planing or refer you to a specialist, also
known as a periodontist.
Other evaluations that will be included
during your dental examination include a check of your mouth, neck and face for
abnormalities. Your dentist will also evaluate your risk for tooth decay and
other oral health issues. X-rays will also be taken so that your dentist can
check for problems with dental restorations, such as cavities underneath
existing fillings and crowns and other problems that cannot be seen during a
visual dental examination.
Your dentist will talk to you about your oral
hygiene habits and your diet. What you eat and drink is just as important as
brushing and flossing when it comes to your teeth and gums. If signs of gum disease are present, your dentist may also show you how to brush and floss
properly. During this part of your comprehensive dental examination, your
dentist will ask about any medications that you may be taking. Smoking, tooth
loss consequences, and the benefits of dental restorations such as crowns, bridges,
and implants will also be discussed.
Take stock of your health this year and
include a comprehensive dental examination on your New Year’s resolution list.
