DENTAL VISIT

Taking care of your teeth means more than brushing and flossing. For complete care, it’s
important to visit a dentist every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning.

The first step in this process is to find a dentist with whom you feel comfortable, and then
schedule an appointment. Most dental visits are checkups. Regular checkups (ideally every six
months) and professional cleaning will help your teeth and gums stay cleaner, last longer and can
prevent painful problems from developing.

Bringing your little one for a visit? Pediatric dental offices typically offer an environment
designed to make children comfortable. Rooms may be decorated with bright colors, animals or
fun designs. Waiting rooms often feature a variety of toys. They may even have activity tables or
video game consoles available. A fun environment makes the dentist's office a treat for children
to visit. They will remain patient and entertained until it's their turn and may even beg to return
sooner than needed so they can play more.

On your first visit, your dentist will take a full health history. On follow-up visits, if your
health status has changed, make sure to tell your dentist. Here’s what you can expect during
most trips to the dentist, though depending on your oral history, your experience may vary.

A Thorough Cleaning

Checkups almost always include a complete dental cleaning, either from your dentist or a
dental hygienist. Using special instruments, a dental hygienist will scrape along and below the
gum line, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath
and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist will polish and floss your teeth during the visit and
instruct you on oral care techniques and products to use at home for improved oral health.

A Full Dental Examination

Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking
for signs of disease or other problems. The goal is to help maintain your good oral health and to
prevent problems from becoming serious by identifying and treating them as soon as possible.

X-rays

Depending on your age, risks of oral disease and symptoms, your dentist may recommend
X-rays. X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones,
impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. If you are pregnant,
inform your dentist, as X-rays should only be taken in emergency situations.