A Comprehensive Checklist For Your Routine Dental Checkups

Updated on July 10, 2023

Most people focus on their physical health because it directly affects their bodies. While it’s good to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly, taking care of your oral health is still essential. It can help prevent the development of any oral diseases, leading to something more serious when neglected.  

A part of your oral health routine should be visiting your dentist every six months. This way, your dentist can thoroughly check your oral condition and see if it’s in good health or requires immediate treatment. To give you an idea of what you need to understand about dental checkups, below is a comprehensive checklist you can rely on: 

Look For A Reputable Dentist 

Looking for a reputable dentist isn’t a problem in the United States. If you don’t have a regular dentist, now is the right time to look for the best one to suit your oral needs. If you want to find a good dentist, it helps to do research. You can check their website and read reviews from past clients to get an insight into their service.  

Make sure the dentist is licensed to practice in your state. You can check with your state’s dental board to verify their credentials. You must also consider the dentist’s experience and the types of procedures they perform. This Orlando dentist is an expert in cosmetic dental procedures.

Ideally, it’s best to work with one dentist. This way, you don’t have to repeat the process of explaining your dental history. They can pull up your dental account and immediately know what procedures you’ve already done with your mouth.  

If you’re in North Carolina, you can search for a Fuquay Varina dentist or one near you. This way, you’ll only have one dentist to handle your oral needs. The nearer they are to your home, the easier it’ll be for you to travel in case of dental emergencies.  

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Keep Track Of Your Dental History 

If you’re visiting a new dentist for your dental checkup, preparing a list of any dental and health history will be helpful. This can aid the dentist in examining your oral health. Your dental history may contain details about procedures, medications, or tools you’ve used to maintain good oral hygiene.  

It’s also best to inform your dentist about medications you’re currently taking, regardless of whether or not they have anything to do with your teeth. Let your dentist know if you’re doing anything else to care for your teeth and gums, such as whitening them or using light therapy.  

Your dentist can’t predict how a mild medication or therapy may affect your mouth. The best way to prevent dental problems is to provide your dentist with a list of potential issues you’re experiencing. 

Prepare For Dental Procedures 

It helps to know the different ways and procedures your dentist can do to maintain oral health. Below are some dental procedures they may suggest to keep it in top shape: 

  • Teeth Cleaning 

The first thing that your dentist will do is to give you thorough teeth cleaning procedure. Your dentist will thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth using dental devices. This step is essential because plaque and tartar buildup can cause cavities and harm your teeth.  

Apart from cleaning your mouth, this procedure allows your dentist to have a quick checkup about the condition of your teeth. They’ll also remove any residue they might have missed from the initial cleaning process. Moreover, they’ll apply a smooth finish to prevent plaque from attaching to the surface of your teeth, minimizing plaque buildup.  

Teeth cleaning is typically done every six months as part of a routine dental checkup. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health issues.

  • Mouth, Teeth, And Gum Examination 

After your dentist cleans your teeth, they’ll examine your mouth and check for possible diseases or problems. They’ll begin to check for cavities or decay inside your mouth and provide treatment if necessary. If you have any crack or tooth sensitivity, they’ll check its status and see if it needs serious medical attention.  

After examining every inch of your teeth, your dentist will check your gum’s health. It’s essential to check for any soreness, swelling, redness, or mouth sores around your gum area. Moreover, some gum issues can be a symptom of a bigger health condition, which your dentist will warn you about.  

The dentist will also check your bite and jaw alignment, looking for any signs of misalignment, or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders. They will also check your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and your cheeks for any signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities.

If your dentist sees any signs of damage to your oral health, they’ll inform you immediately and ask permission to perform any necessary preventive maintenance or treatment. This way, you can prevent the situation from worsening and be ahead of your oral health.  

  • Dental X-Ray 

A dental x-ray is a diagnostic tool that uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the inside of your teeth and jaw. Dental x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool in dentistry. They are considered safe, and the amount of radiation used is minimal. Dentists use lead aprons and thyroid collars to protect the patient from radiation exposure.

Depending on your dentist’s thorough inspection, they might suggest performing a dental x-ray to have more details beyond what’s exposed in your mouth. It allows them to see what’s going on in your mouth. A dental x-ray can provide them with more ideas about how they can resolve the issue. They can reveal issues not visible during a typical examination, such as decay between the teeth, cysts, tumors, roots, or underlying bone structure. However, this procedure doesn’t apply to everyone, only to cases where dental x-rays seem essential. 

  • Provide Oral Guidelines 

After inspecting your mouth, your dentist will give you guidelines to keep your oral health in check. This may include switching to a different toothpaste, using a specific type of bristles for your toothbrush, flossing regularly, and foods you should try to minimize. This way, you can come back with much healthier teeth and provide the best care for your mouth.  

Moreover, they can also provide tips on taking care not just of your teeth but also of your tongue and gums. Additional attention might be required in certain areas, and you may need different brushes or floss. Your dentist can also ask you to avoid certain habits affecting your oral health. This can include smoking, eating acidic and sugar-loaded foods, and not brushing daily. 

If your mouth has severe dental issues, your dentist will advise you with possible treatments that you should consider. They’ll give you options to consider and ask your permission if they can perform the treatment right away or schedule it for the next appointment.  

Takeaway 

Knowing what would happen during your routine dental checkups will give you insight into what to expect during your appointment. As you do your part by looking for the right dentist and sharing your dental history, your dentist can thoroughly inspect your mouth to see if it’s healthy. With this, you can guarantee a great and healthy smile that you’ll surely be proud of.