Good Oral Health Directly Relates To Good Overall Health!

Regular Check-ups

Do you know that good oral health directly relates to good overall health? That’s why you should make it a priority to visit the dentist at least every six months. Regular visits allow your dentist to spot and treat potential problems before they become more severe.

Regular dental checkups usually include a cleaning. It is impossible to remove all plaque from your teeth by just brushing and flossing, so a dental hygienist or your dentist will use special equipment to clean your teeth. Without regular dental cleanings this plaque could eventually cause gum disease, cavities and other problems.

After the cleaning, your dentist will typically perform an examination of your teeth, gums and entire mouth. In addition to checking your teeth for cavities, your dentist also looks for signs of other problems like gum disease or oral cancer. Tell your dentist about any sores, swelling or discoloration that you find on your tongue, lips, cheek, throat, jawbone or palate. 

Depending on your age, risk of certain dental issues and amount of time since your last dental visit, your dentist may recommend dental radiographs. These X-rays can show problems that otherwise go unnoticed, such as impacted teeth or decay between the teeth. In Florida, if you haven’t had an oral examination in the last 13 months, your dentist is required to perform an oral exam before he or she is allowed to treat you.