Oral Examinations
Ideally, you should be attending regular exams at your dentist in Kitchener twice a year. This gives your dentist a chance to identify any potential oral health issues as they arise, and form a treatment plan accordingly.
During your exam, your dentist will be sure to closely examine your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. If necessary, they may also recommend X-rays and other diagnostic procedures to get a better look at your oral structures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Since oral cancer can affect any part of your mouth and the surrounding tissues, your dentist will be sure to check your face, neck lips, tongue, throat, and gums for any signs of it during your exam. They may also utilize the VELscope® oral cancer screening device to get a closer look at anything that may be difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day to keep your smile healthy between dental appointments.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
In addition to your examination from your dentist, your appointment will include a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums from a dental hygienist. This cleaning is designed to help treat and prevent disease.
Your hygienist will start by using a scaler to remove any tartar or plaque build-up from your teeth and gums before using a polisher and a coarse toothpaste to remove leftover stains. They will end your cleaning by thoroughly flossing your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you are particularly at risk for tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that can be used to help rebuild your tooth enamel, preventing and even sometimes reversing tooth decay.
