Oral Exams and Cleanings

Oral exams are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Whether you are preparing for your first check-up or have not had one in a while, here is what you can expect at your next oral exam.

At Your Visit

During an oral exam and cleaning, you or your child will sit in an examination chair. Your dental hygienist will use small tools to inspect and remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a substance that can build up on the surface of teeth, caused by the food you eat. If plaque is not removed by brushing or flossing, it will eventually turn into tartar. Tartar is a hard mineral deposit that can be difficult to remove without a dentist’s help. Your dental hygienist will floss and brush your teeth with a professional-grade electric toothbrush. To prevent cavities, he or she may apply a fluoride substance to your teeth or give you a liquid fluoride solution. They may give you suggestions on how to improve your brushing or flossing habits.

At this point, your dentist will arrive and inspect your general mouth area. He or she will look for tooth decay, gum disease, or cavities. Your dentist will check your bite to make sure your teeth are aligned correctly.  For children, your dentist will determine whether their teeth are developing properly. Should your dentist find one or more cavities, you can schedule an appointment for a later date to have them removed.

Preparing For Your Oral Exam

To prepare for your oral exam, you should make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for about two minutes and floss every day. Use a fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Limit the amount of sugary foods you consume. When you do eat or drink something high in sugar, brush your teeth soon after.

Call Hale Family Dental to schedule your next oral exam and cleaning today!