Regular oral examinations and hygiene cleanings at Hilltop Dental in Duncan can help you prevent any dental issues and keep your smile healthy.
Oral Examinations
Ideally, you should visit your dentist twice a year for a routine oral exam. This gives your dentist the opportunity to identify any oral health issues and develop a plan to treat them accordingly.
During your appointment, your dentist will examine the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite. Exams may also include dental x-rays, an oral cancer screening, and other diagnostic procedures.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can infect any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues. During your exam, your dentist will check the neck, face, lips, tongue, throat, gums, and tissues for any signs of oral cancer which are difficult to detect with the naked eye.
Oral Health Care at Home
Don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time to keep your smile healthy between dental appointments. You should also floss at least once a day.
Dental Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after your exam, your dental hygienist will deep clean your teeth and gums to help prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to eliminate any tartar and plaque build-up. Next they will remove any remaining plaque or stains with a polisher and coarse toothpaste, and finish with a thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
If you or you child is found to be at high risk of tooth decay, your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to reverse or prevent tooth decay.