Dental Checkup
Preventive dental care is important throughout your life, no matter your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, you can help keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come.
A typical annual or semiannual dental check up includes:
- A discussion of your concerns/ complains
- Updates of any changes in your health, change in the list of medications
- 2-4 low dose x-rays for an early diagnostic of dental problems
- An exam of skin, TMG, lymphatic nodes
- An exam of the soft tissues in your mouth/cancer screening
- An exam of your gums
- An exam of your teeth
- A discussion of the findings and treatment options.
Once in 3-5 years Dr. Kabak & Dr. Yurchuk will provide you with a more detailed exam, when your dentist and hygienist spend around an hour performing a deep, detailed exam of your dental health.
Here are a few simple ways that you can prevent the build-up of plaque, cavities and gum disease:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and plaque from the tooth surfaces. Also be sure to brush the top surface of your tongue; this will remove any extra plaque-causing food particles, and help keep your breath fresh!
- Clean between your teeth by flossing at least once a day. You can also use a mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Decay-causing bacteria can linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Floss and mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
- Eat a balanced diet, and try to avoid extra-sugary treats. Nutritious foods such as raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese, or fruit can help keep your smile healthy.
- Keep the number of meals up to 5-6 a day where 3 are main meals and 3 - snacks. Make healthy choices for your snacks especially - protein rich food does have less potential to cause decay. Great examples of healthy snacks would be - an egg, nuts, cheese, mushrooms, yogurt with no added sugar. Chew a NO SUGAR chewing gum with xylitolM for 2-3 minutes after each meal to increase flow of saliva and improve natural protection of your teeth.
- Remember to schedule regular checkups with your dentist every six months for a professional teeth cleaning. Careful removal of the bacteria by the hygiene specialist is dramatically reducing bacterial load in your mouth and preventing decay, gum disease, cancer, other pathology.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, protective plastic coatings that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.
- If you play sports, be sure to ask your dentist about special mouthguards designed to protect your smile.
Visits to Blue Heron Dental Center in London, Ontario are for your dental health, everyday home care is also critical! Keep your smile bright and beautiful between visits.
