It’s that time again – back to school! Getting the kiddos ready for a new school year consists of shopping for new gear, labeling school supplies, rushing to appointments, etc. Check. Check. Check. Did you remember their teeth? Summer is a popular season for dentist appointments, and if forgot your “back to school” dental check-up, there’s still time! Actually, there’s always time, no matter what season.
Most people make it a priority to get an annual physical. It’s like car maintenance. Got to keep the engine running smoothly! Just like your car needs oil and gas to run, your body needs to be in good health to function properly. Your primary care doctor is only going to do as much as quickly look in your mouth, with the main focus on your throat. Your teeth get overlooked. That’s why your dentist is so important! Per the ADA, it’s recommended that a person with good oral health visits the dental twice a year (every six months), or as needed.
Healthy Mouth – Healthy Body
The mouth is the window to the body. It can show signs and symptoms of infections, nutrient deficiencies, and systemic diseases. Sometimes, some of the earliest symptoms of a health condition can begin in the mouth. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV, osteoporosis, and pregnancy can affect your oral health in different ways. A glimpse into your mouth can tell a lot about your overall health. Many dentists are credited with diagnosing serious health conditions before they become problematic.
Say Ahhhh
A main focus in dentistry is preventative care. That’s what makes routine exams and cleanings so important. Simply visiting your dentist every six months, along with practicing good oral hygiene at home, can spare you from major oral health and medical problems. Preventative care is much cheaper than paying for the problem down the road. If you have dental health benefits through your job, all the more reason to make it to those routine appointments.
A routine dental appointment consists of two parts: the exam and the cleaning. Here’s an overview of what typically happens during a routine appointment.
If you are due for X-rays, you will usually get those at the beginning of your appointment. Yes, they are totally safe, and they also help the dentist see what the naked eye cannot.
The dental hygienist will start by scaling your teeth. “Scaling” is the dental term for scraping all the gunk off your teeth with a special tool. The gunk is referring to plaque and tartar that builds up on teeth. Plaque is the slimy layer of bacteria that can be felt when you swipe your tongue across your unclean teeth. So gross! If not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Both plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and more problems.
After the scaling, comes the prophylaxis. Proph-a-what?It’s just another fancy dental term for the cleaning. This is the part where the hygienist polishes your teeth, removing surface stains as well as any leftover debris from the scaling process. The prophylaxis is what leaves you with that fresh breath feeling, making you vow to always come back.
Next up, the exam…
Post polishing, you will rinse your mouth of any nitty gritty leftover polish, then lay back and relax while the hygienist flosses. Your gums will be carefully examined with a special tool to measure the depth between the teeth and gums. Shallow spaces indicate healthy gums, and deeper spaces are seen with recessed gums (gum disease). Keep in mind that your gums don’t lie! You can’t fool them and say you floss daily if your gums are swollen and bleeding. Noted!
If not already in the room by now, the dentist will come give you an oral exam and communicate with the hygienist about any findings. The dentist will check your head, neck, and face for any abnormalities, and you will be screened for oral cancer, which consists of closely checking the soft tissues (cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue) for any abnormalities. During the exam, if your dentist comes across anything that requires further care, you will be given a treatment plan to follow through with.
Well, that’s a wrap! A healthy mouth is a happy mouth. In addition to routine dental check-ups, make sure to take care of your mouth at home by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and eating a healthy diet.
If you find would like to schedule an appointment for a dental exam or cleaning, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.