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General Dentistry - The Check Up |
Check-up's aren't just for kids!
 A regular check-up is one of the most important things you can do for your dental health, next to brushing and flossing.
Check-ups are not just to check for cavities, and they are not just for kids.
Check-ups are about:
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Stopping (or preventing) dental problems before they start and; |
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Making sure that problems you have do not get any worse. |
How you benefit
Everyone needs to have dental check-ups. The reason is simple: even if you brush and floss every day, you cannot see all the parts of your own mouth. For example, here is a list of things your dentist can see that you can't:
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Fillings, crowns and other repairs (or restorations) that are no longer in good shape |
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Root cavities, or cavities that form when the gums pull away (or recede) from the teeth cavities around your fillings |
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Tiny cracks (or fractures) in a tooth |
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Wisdom teeth that are trapped (or impacted) in the gums |
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Early signs of gum disease |
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Early signs of oral cancer |
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Signs of other problems that could affect your general health |
 How often you go for a check-up depends on YOUR dental health needs. The goal is to catch small problems early. For many people, this means a check-up every 6 months. Your dentist may suggest that you visit more or less often depending on how well you care for your teeth and gums, problems you have that need to be checked or treated, how fast tarter builds up on your teeth, and so on. |
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Parts of the Check Up |
A check-up can include some or all of the following:
Dental and medical history update
Let your dentist know about any dental or mouth problems you have.
Tell your dentist:
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About any changes in your teeth such as changes in colour, looseness or position |
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If your teeth or gums are more sensitive to heat, cold or sweets |
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About any changes in your gums like changes in colour, tenderness or bleeding when you brush or floss |
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If your floss catches on rough edges of teeth and shreds |
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About any changes in the skin on the inside of your mouth, such as changes in colour |
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If you clench or grind your teeth, or if your neck and jaw muscles are tense |
It's just as important to let your dentist know about your general health.
Examination and Treatment
Your dentist looks for problems that could affect your general and oral health. Many small problems can be caught before they get big and can be treated right away.
Cleaning
A cleaning makes your teeth and fillings smooth, so it's harder for plaque to build up on your teeth. Plaque is clear and sticky. It forms on your teeth every day. If plaque is left on your teeth, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). A cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It cannot be removed with your toothbrush. If tartar is not removed, it can cause gum disease. Cleaning also removes stains, so that your teeth look better
Advice
When your dentist is finished the check-up, you will be able to ask questions and seek advice on what you can do to take better care of your teeth and gums at home. |
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Related Articles
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When you go for a check-up, one of the things your dentist looks for is tooth decay, also known as a cavity. If you have a cavity and it needs a filling, there are different kinds of fillings to do the job. |
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Injuries to the teeth, gums and tongue are often painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible after the injuries occur.
The following is a listing of the most common dental emergencies and the actions to follow if injury occurs.
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Many people have severe apprehension with dental treatment because of a phobia and do not seek regular dental attention as a result. A dental phobia isn�t a simple fear or anxiety with dentists or dental treatment, but a serious issue that can be helped... |
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Dentin Hypersensitivity (sensitive teeth) affects one out of every four adults. It can cause severe pain and discomfort on a daily basis. Having sensitive teeth makes enjoying your favorite hot or cold foods close to impossible |
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Bulimia and anorexia nervosa are the more common eating disorders found in America's young women and men. Both disorders have an enormous affect on dental health and total overall well-being. |
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The American Cancer Society diagnoses an estimated 30,000 new cases of oral cancer each year. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lip, tongue, pharynx, jawbone and oral cavity. Most often, oral cancer occurs in people over the age of 40 years. |
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Helpful Links
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