What should a comprehensive dental exam include?

AT HOME

There are many things that you can do yourself to keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy.

Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day with quality dental care products will immediately get you on the right track. In addition, you should floss your teeth regularly and use a mouth wash where appropriate.

Have a look at your diet too. Perhaps you are drinking a lot of sugary drinks or acidic fruit juice, or perhaps you regularly snack on food or sweets that may be contributing to a build up of plaque on your teeth.

Always keep an eye on your teeth and gums. If you notice changes including bleeding, pain or sudden discolouration you should always consult your dentist or hygienist as soon as you can.

AT THE DENTIST

It’s essential to make regular appointments with your dentist so that they can keep a close eye on your dental health and hygiene, increasing the chances of spotting any problems before they develop too far.

One of the main things that dentists will be able to assist with in terms of preventative dentistry is regular and deep cleaning gum treatments. Gum disease infects the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth causing them to become red and swollen. An early indicator of this is that the gums begin to bleed easily.

If the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) develops into advanced stages (periodontitis) you may risk the gums and bones that support the teeth becoming seriously damaged. In some cases the teeth can become loose and fall out or require extraction by a dentist.