Posted on May 13, 2013, by Marielaina Perrone DDS, in
Cosmetic Dentistry,
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Periodontics,
TMJ and Neuromuscular Dentistry, tagged
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heart disease cancer,
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inner tissues,
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Why do most dentists want you to come in for a cleaning at
least every 6 months?? While it might not seem like it is necessary,
these regular and routine dental visits are
Regular Dental Visits Are The Key To Good Dental Health
essential for monitoring and maintaining healthy teeth and
gums.Earlier changes can be detected, and they can be addressed. Recent
research has also shown how important it is to maintain a healthy mouth
for our general health as well. There are many disease states related to
poor dental health. These systemic diseases include heart disease,
cancer,
diabetes, and even, alzheimer’s disease.
The Six Month Dental Visit
What goes on in the dental office is only a small portion of oral
health maintenance. Most of the work is done at home through maintaining
a good
oral hygiene
regimen to keep our teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible. A
six month dental visit will include a professional cleaning as well as a
thorough dental examination. There are many facets to this appointment.
Most people would be surprised at how many different items the
dentist and hygienist are actually checking.
What Does The Dental Examination Include?
Your teeth are just one part of a routine, thorough dental
examination. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, your
gums,
TMJ,
and entire inner tissues of the mouth and upper throat. They will also
examine your mouth, tongue, lips, and skin for any signs of disease,
like
oral cancer or diabetes.
The Head And Neck Examination
Your dentist will start off by looking for symmetry, irregularities, swellings, etc. by:
-Examining your face
-Examining your neck
-Checking your lymph nodes. They are specifically looking for any
abnormal swellings or changes to one side and not the other. Also noting
the presence of any tenderness.
-Checking your Temperomandibular Joint (TMJ) for any clicking,
popping, or irregularities. As we age, the TMJ, like any joint can begin
to deteriorate and give us issues. A good dentist will be able to note
the presence of TMJ disorder even without symptoms developing.
The Teeth And Gums Examination
Next, your
dentist examine the state of your teeth and gums by:
-Taking x-rays ( radiographs) as needed. Radiographs are generally
taken once per year. These radiographs allow the dentist to see some
areas that are not visible to the naked eye and are not felt by an
instrument. This allows for early detection of tooth decay, as well as
determination of infection, or bone loss. Unfortunately, fillings and
crowns, depending upon location of breakdown, still hide many areas of
decay or fracturing., Such areas are generally found later due to
discomfort, discoloration, or other changes.
-Examining the gum tissue for the presence of periodontal disease,
infection, systemic disease. The symptoms can include bleeding,
inflammation, recession, redness and irritation, swelling, sloughing
tissue, and bone loss around the teeth.
-Checking if any teeth are becoming loose or show any sense of movement.
-Looking at the tissues inside of your mouth. This will include all
sides of the tongue, the tonsils, the hard and soft palate, and inside
your cheeks and lips. The dentist will look for tissue abnormalities
that could be suspected to be oral cancer. Many dentists use the
VELscope
to detect oral cancer as early as possible. The VELscope is a special
light that allows the dentist to see changes in tissue that occur when
oral changes, such as cancer, are present.
-Checking the way your teeth fit together, how well you bite, if you clench or grind, signs of sleep apnea.
-Looking for the presence of tooth decay. This is achieved through
the use of radiographs and by checking each tooth individually to see if
there is any decay visibly, tactilely, or radiographically, present or
beginning to form.
-Checking for broken teeth, fracture lines, chipping, wear.
-Checking for older dental restorations that need to be replaced.
Generally when an older dental restoration begins to fail there is
staining present around the margins where food and bacteria are leaking
inside the restoration. Also, the dentist will examine any dental crowns
present to check for decay and to see that the fit is still acceptable.
-Evaluating any previous dental appliances you might have. This can
include retainers, nightguards, sport guards, dentures or snore/apnea
appliances. The dentist will ensure they are still fitting properly and
that they are in good condition.
The Dental Cleaning
The dental cleaning is generally completed by the hygienist but some
dentists do clean teeth as well. This part includes the following:
6 Month Dental Visits For The Whole Family
-Checking the state of your teeth and gums.
-The use of an ultrasonic device to remove the pellicle, plaque, and
tartar. The pellicle is a protein layer, much like a cuticle, that
allows plaque and bacteria to more easily wick up and under the gum. The
hygienist uses both an ultrasonic cleaning tool (called a cavitron) as
well as using hand instruments. These tools allow the hygienist to
remove substantial plaque and bacteria, and all of the pellicle, from
above and below the gumline.
-Polishing your teeth with prophylaxis paste. This paste is slightly
abrasive to remove any extrinsic stains that might be present. Polishing
also helps to smooth surface roughness so that plaque will not stick as
easily.
-Fluoride treatment. This is not just for kids! There are many types
of fluoride with many different applications. Some of us are more
susceptible to cavities, some of us have white spots, sensitive spots,
or stubborn periodontal pockets. Different types of fluorides can help
with all of these.
-Reviewing oral hygiene instructions for you to practice at home
away, and from the office. This includes recommended brushing and
flossing techniques as well as what products might work best for you.
Conclusion
Upon completion of the examination and cleaning, your dentist will be
able to advise you of any further treatment needed. If nothing abnormal
is found, you will set up your next appointment in 3- 6 month,s knowing
you have been doing a great job at home with your dental care. If
something is found, you should have it taken care of as soon as
possible. You should try not to put off dental work, as it will get
worse over time. Remember, by seeing your dentist every 6 months and
following daily oral hygiene practices at home, you have a better chance
of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Being healthy will save you
time, discomfort, and money in the long run. Prevention is always the
goal!
Addicted to soda? You may be shocked to learn that drinking large
quantities of your favorite carbonated soda could be as damaging to your
teeth as methamphetamine and crack cocaine use. The consumption of
illegal drugs and abusive intake of soda can cause similar damage to
your mouth through the process of tooth erosion, according to a case
study published in a recent issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
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