Why does your dentist want to schedule another appointment with you so soon - even if today's oral examination was perfect? Regular dental visits are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For maximum benefit, a good home care regimen must be supplemented with an examination at least every six months. Depending on the status of your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

Checking your teeth for decay is only a small part of a thorough oral exam. During each visit, your dentist will also: check your gums (gingiva) for inflammation, tooth mobility and pockets; examine your mouth for indications of possible cancer, diabetes and vitamin deficiencies; and note any irregularities in your facial structure, bite, saliva and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your dentist will clean your teeth and encourage you to maintain good oral hygiene.

The Regular Dental Visit
At every regularly-scheduled dental appointment, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, mouth and throat.
Periodontal Exam- including gingiva, periodontal pockets
Decay of Teeth
Broken Fillings
Contact Between Teeth

Dental Cleaning (PROPHYLAXIS, POLISHING)
Patients often confuse plaque and tartar and how they are related to each other.

Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on all areas of your teeth; it is composed of bacteria, by-products of bacteria and saliva. However, plaque that builds up along the gumline and between the teeth in hard to reach places can be harmful.

Plaque buildup is a primary factor in gum disease. Fighting plaque is a life-long component of oral care.

Scaling
Tartar (also called calculus) forms when minerals deposit in plaque which is not removed by regular brushing and flossing. This crusty deposit creates a cohesive bond that can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. The prevention of tartar buildup above the gumline has not been shown to have a therapeutic effect on gum disease.

Flossing and Oral Hygiene Care
Proper brushing helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Use a soft-bristle brush and an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles. Replace your brush every three months.

Proper Flossing
Flossing daily removes plaque and food particles between teeth and below the gumline.
greatly reducing tartar (calculus ) build up.

After completing the clinical dental exam, your dentist might outline a detailed treatment plan, if necessary, and indicate when you need to return for a follow-up visit. Regular preventive maintenance of this type, along with a thorough home care regimen, helps assure your good oral health.

Be sure to follow the special home care instructions provided by your dental professional.