Dental Examinations

It is never too late to take care of your teeth. By seeing a dentist for regular dental examinations, you can keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. Without proper dental care, you may lose teeth to decay and disease and develop problems with your gums and mouth that go unnoticed until it is too late to help you.

What Will The Dentist Do?

During a routine dental exam, the dentist will:

Check your teeth for signs of tooth decay that leads to cavities.
Look for any signs of oral cancer.
Check your tongue, glands and the inside of your mouth for sores or problem spots.
Check your bite to see if it is good.
Check for problems from jaw joint problems or teeth grinding.
Find possible symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that may show up in your mouth.

What Can Be Involved In A Dental Exam?

Your dentist or a dental hygienist may:

Clean your teeth with special equipment.
Scrape the plaque off your teeth that builds up over time.
Examine your teeth and gums for signs of infection and disease.
Take x-rays of your teeth to find any hidden cavities.

When Should I Have A Dental Examination?

You should see a dentist when you have a tooth ache, when you have injured your mouth or when notice a problem with your mouth.
Most dentists recommend coming for a dental exam and cleaning every six months to keep your mouth healthy.

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The information contained in this brochure was gathered from medical resources and was current at the time of publication.