A yearly oral exam from your dentist is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and keeping your smile white and beautiful. During your oral exam, which you should schedule twice a year, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth using dental cleaning instruments and assess the health of your teeth and gums. Most oral exams also include a set of dental x-rays, which can help your dentist identify any possible oral conditions or diseases.
During your oral exam, your dentist and hygienist will also ask you about your overall health and discuss any questions or concerns you might have regarding your teeth, gums and smile. For instance, your hygienist might show you more effective flossing techniques, or ask about your current diet or habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption.
As part of your oral exam, your dentist or hygienist will also measure your gum tissue. This is an important step of the oral exam, because it can alert your dentist as to whether or not you’re at risk of periodontal disease.
Preparing for Your Las Vegas Oral Exam
Before your oral exam, you should come prepared to discuss your overall health and any concerns with your dentist or hygienist. You will also want to have some information handy, like a list of medications that you’re currently taking or a family history of certain diseases, as these might affect your dental condition or treatment. You also might want to jot down any questions you have regarding certain dental procedures, like restorative work, teeth whitening treatments, veneers, crowns or teeth-straightening treatments like Invisalign.
The most important thing to remember about your oral exam is that it’s for you. Get the most out of your twice-yearly visit by learning how to care for your teeth properly and potential treatments or procedures tailored to your specific needs. Your Las Vegas dentist is here for you, so make the visit count!