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:

	Stopping (or preventing) dental problems before they start and;
»	Making sure that problems you have do not get any worse.

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:

»	Fillings, crowns and other repairs (or restorations) that are no longer in good shape
»	Root cavities, or cavities that form when the gums pull away (or recede) from the teeth cavities around your fillings
»	Tiny cracks (or fractures) in a tooth
»	Wisdom teeth that are trapped (or impacted) in the gums
»	Early signs of gum disease
»	Early signs of oral cancer
»	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:

»	About any changes in your teeth such as changes in colour, looseness or position
»	If your teeth or gums are more sensitive to heat, cold or sweets
»	About any changes in your gums like changes in colour, tenderness or bleeding when you brush or floss
»	If your floss catches on rough edges of teeth and shreds
»	About any changes in the skin on the inside of your mouth, such as changes in colour
»	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.