Oral Examinations
Regular oral examinations are ideally twice a year. These exams give your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues so they can make a plan to treat it.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include imaging such as dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures.
Our Deep River dentists believe that the key defence against gum disease is prevention. Consistent dental examinations are the best way to catch and treat oral conditions before they develop into something more serious.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. This is why screening is important during your regular dental examinations.
During your exam, your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer can be difficult to detect with the naked eye, which is why some diagnostic imaging may be performed as well.
Oral Health Care at Home
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss once a day to keep your smile healthy.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
It is important that this build-up is scraped away so that it does not result in the recession of gums or dental disease.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or your child has a high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.
There are foods and drinks that have more concentrated fluoride, as well as certain toothpastes. Sometimes, however, a patient will require topical fluoride treatment to keep their teeth in the best possible condition.
