The American Dental Association recommends that at a minimum we have our teeth examined about once every six months. When was your last checkup? Even if you brush and floss properly and as recommended, a checkup is still necessary to make sure you aren’t developing a serious oral health problem. From there, the doctor can treat the issue before it progresses to a more serious stage.
Try Our Dental Checkup Quiz
- True or False: You should have your teeth examined twice a year.
- True or False: The doctor looks for signs of decay and other problems.
- True or False: The visit is an opportunity for an oral cancer screening.
- True or False: You can also receive a cleaning in the same visit.
Answer Key
- True. You should have your dentist examine your teeth and gums about once every six months. With regular checkups the doctor can monitor your oral health, identifying any issues that may be developing. Why wait until decay becomes an infection or gingivitis leads to gum disease when you can address these issues early on.
- True. We look for the warning signs of tooth decay. With digital x-rays and intraoral cameras we may even be able to uncover them before they would be visible to the naked eye. In addition, the doctor looks for the early signs of gum disease.
- True. Of the estimated 45,000 people who are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, over half will succumb to the disease within five years. This is mainly because the disease is rarely caught in the early stages. However, with routine checkups the doctor can perform a screening annually, increasing the odds of an early diagnosis. By identifying oral cancer early, there is a greater chance of a full recovery.
- True. As part of your regular visit we may also perform a cleaning. Either the doctor or the hygienist will remove plaque buildup from the surface of your teeth, using a manual tool or possibly an ultrasonic scaler. Clean teeth look better and protect your smile from the onset of decay and periodontal issues.
ABOUT YOUR WACO, TX, DENTIST:
We look forward to providing families with exceptional care and advanced treatment options. To schedule an appointment with Corbet Locke, DDS, contact our Waco, TX, dental office today by calling 254-776-4888. Our office welcomes patients in and around Waco, TX, including Hewitt, McGregor, Woodway, and the surrounding Central Texas communities.