The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Up
It is important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups to keep the teeth and gums healthy. It is recommended to have a routine dental checkup twice a year, or whenever the dentist recommends it. What takes place on a dental visit? A routine dental visit consists of two parts: a check-up/examination and a cleaning/oral prophylaxis. During a dental visit, the dentist will inspect the teeth for cavities. Cavities between teeth can be detected using X-rays. An examination may be performed to check for plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a transparent and sticky type of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can solidify and develop tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth can cause oral illnesses. The dentist will then examine your gums. This is generally done using a special tool for measuring the depth of the gap between the teeth and gums. Healthy gums have small gaps between them. Gum disease patients have larger gaps be