Regular Check Ups
Prevention is key! Most people know how to brush their teeth and take care of their mouths. However, they might brush too quickly, use an old or stiff toothbrush, or use an inappropriate technique.
All these issues can make your efforts ineffective and lead to a range of tooth and gum problems. Additionally, some medical conditions or medications can cause plaque and calculus to develop. Read our article about plaque, calculus and gum disease .
So you should get a check-up every six months to stay on top of these problems. So, apart from a regular clean , what does your dentist check during these visits?
Changes since previous check-ups
First the dentist will ask you about any changes you’ve noticed since your last dental check-up and how you’re feeling about this check-up.
Make sure you tell them about any:
- medication
- medical conditions
- allergies
- previous experiences with dental treatment
- anxiety or discomfort.
Check-up list for check-ups
The dentist will then check your mouth for any issues, including:
- tooth decay and cavities
- gum bleeding and tartar, and other signs of gum disease
- loose teeth
- wisdom teeth issues, including advising whether to keep or remove them.
X-rays
Your dentist might want to take some x-rays during your check-up. They will use the x-rays to:
- check your tooth roots and jaw alignment
- look for tooth decay and cavities, abscesses near the root and periodontal disease
- recommend fillings or root canals.
Further treatment
If your dentist believes you need further treatment, such as fillings or root canals, they will either make a referral to a specialist or book you in for work at a time that suits you. They will tell you exactly what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
