You probably already know that frequently eating sugary foods can cause cavities and gum disease but did you know that consuming certain foods can improve your oral health? To keep your mouth healthy, make sure to include these seven things in your diet.
Checkups/Exams
Getting Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings at our Clinic in SE Calgary
Professional teeth cleanings help you maintain a beautiful smile, and checkups are crucial for detecting oral health issues. Since tooth decay and gum disease can be more easily and effectively treated if caught early, regular appointments with a dentist are key.
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we want to make it easy and convenient for you and your family to take care of your teeth. That’s why we stay open until 7 p.m. on a few weekdays and offer weekend appointments on Saturdays. To book your next dental exam and teeth cleaning at our Calgary clinic, simply give us a call.
How Often Should You Schedule A Checkup?
In general, you should have your teeth examined and cleaned by a dentist every six months. However, you may need to increase the frequency of your visits if:
- You don’t maintain a good oral hygiene routine
- You have a history of tooth decay or gum disease
- Your diet is rich in acidic or sweet foods and beverages
- You have excessive tartar buildup on your teeth
- You smoke or chew tobacco products
As a patient at Forest Lawn Dental Centre, your dentist will advise how often you should come in for a checkup based on a full assessment of your oral health and medical history.
Are you wondering when to book your child’s first dentist appointment? The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children visit a dentist by the age of one or within six months of getting their first tooth. After that, you should bring your child in twice a year for a checkup.
What Happens During a Dental Exam?
Dentists are trained to detect early warning signs and symptoms of oral health issues. During this visual inspection, your dentist will check:
- Your teeth for signs of decay, cavities and other types of damage
- Your gums for signs of inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Your mouth for signs of bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ and oral cancer
- Your fillings, crowns and bridges for cracks, wear and other issues
Your dentist will also assess the spacing and position of your teeth, as well as the condition of your jaw and other facial bones and the lymph nodes in your neck. In addition to a visual exam, your dentist may take X-rays to look for problems such as decay, fractures and bone loss below the gum line.
The dental exam is the time for you to ask your dentist about any concerns you may have regarding the health and appearance of your teeth. If you have noticed changes in the position of your teeth or in the condition of your gums or if you feel sensitivity, now is the time to tell us!
You should also let us know about any changes in your overall health or if you are taking any medications, such as blood thinners or medications that may cause dry mouth. All of this information will help us create a treatment plan to help you keep your teeth and mouth healthy.
What Can You Expect During a Regular Teeth Cleaning?
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile is to brush and floss your teeth every day. However, there are a few additional cleaning tasks that require special tools and training. Here’s what your hygienist takes care of during a professional cleaning:
- Removing plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can accumulate below the gumline, even if you brush and floss consistently. If plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be removed by a professional. Using a scaler, your hygienist will scrape away these deposits. If your gums bleed or feel sore afterward, it’s normal.
- Polishing your teeth. Using a high-powered electric brush and a gritty toothpaste, your hygienist will remove surface stains and any remaining tartar from your teeth. This deep clean will leave your teeth feeling smooth, looking shiny and tasting minty fresh (or whichever other flavour you prefer).
- Flossing hard-to-reach spots. With a better vantage point, your hygienist can clean thoroughly between your teeth and below the gumline. This is particularly useful if you have tightly packed teeth or orthodontic appliances that make it difficult to floss on your own. Your hygienist may also point out areas of concern to focus on at home.
- Applying a fluoride treatment. If necessary, your hygienist may coat your teeth with a fluoride gel or foam at the end of your cleaning. This protectant makes your teeth more resistant to cavities and helps prevent decay between appointments. After about a minute, your hygienist will rinse away any excess gel or foam.
Ready for a Checkup? Family Dentist Accepting New Patients in Calgary
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we welcome patients of all ages. Dr. Sandhu and his friendly team are dedicated to providing personalized dental care to suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re a new or existing patient, contact us today to schedule a dental exam and teeth cleaning at our Calgary clinic.
Read more about dental check ups & exams at our SE Calgary dentist office in our related posts below.
