Have you ever wondered why you are recommended to get your teeth cleaned every six months? Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is just one part of your dental check up. Research has shown that good oral hygiene can also impact your general health and help to prevent other serious medical illnesses: bone loss, stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and many other problems.

During Your Regular Visit

Your hygienist will remove staining, plaque and tartar that can build up in between visits. Plaque can be removed with a toothbrush, but if good oral hygiene is not practiced it can harden (into tartar/calculus) on the teeth and irritate gum tissue. If not removed, it can lead to gum disease and bone loss. She/he will also polish and floss your teeth and go over any recommended techniques.

Your dentist and hygienist also work together to:

• check for loose or broken teeth and decay
• examine gums, tongue and other tissues in your mouth
• examine your face, neck, lymph nodes and lower jaw joints (TMJ)
• take and examine x-rays
• check your bite and evaluate any dental appliance you have

In between those check ups, it’s important that you do your part in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. More frequent visits may be suggested if you are in need of additional help. Regular dental check ups will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and help prevent other illnesses.