Dental Exam
Portland, OR
 Oral health maintenance for both adults and children requires consistent check-ups or examinations. Leaving your oral health unexamined for a long time can cause minor problems to become serious. Therefore, our highly trained professionals at Elliott Dentistry specialize in treating people of all ages and ensure the maintenance of good oral health.
While dental examinations are often done to detect any signs of gum disease or the early onset of other oral health issues, they are not only limited to them. Regular dental examinations are necessary to educate people on the right way to protect and care for their oral health.
How Often Should You Get Your Oral Health Examined?
Even though dental exams for most children and adults are recommended after every six months, our dentist might see you more often in case you have persistent gum-related issues like bleeding or swelling. Having dental examinations more frequently can help you avoid gum diseases and tooth loss in the long term.
What Are the Associated Risks?
Dental examinations carry zero risks as our highly trained professionals make the procedure as painless and smooth as possible. However, pregnant women are not usually recommended to get an x-ray done to minimize any risks.
What Can You Expect During an Examination?
A dental check-up usually consists of an examination of your mouth along with cleaning or x-rays if required. A cleaning session typically consists of our professional removing any excess tartar or plaque followed by flossing. During the session, x-rays can also be taken to figure out any signs of cavities that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Moreover, our dentist will also examine you for any traces of oral cancer by checking the area inside your lips, your entire tongue, and the top and bottom of your mouth.
What Can the Results Show?
Dental examination results can depict a number of problems such as gingivitis, cavities, loss of bone, or any problems related to tooth development. In case your reports show gum problems such as gingivitis, our dentist will guide you on how to make your flossing and brushing habits better. They may also recommend coming for exams or cleanings more often. For problems relevant to tooth development or bone loss, our specialist may prescribe additional tests and treatments.
What Can I Do to Improve My Oral Health?
There are a number of habits you can adopt at home to improve your oral health, such as brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. We also recommend using fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities and tooth decay. It is good to change your toothbrush every few months.
Moreover, you must floss to remove plaque at least once a day. Apart from the given recommendations, it is also important to improve your diet by restricting yourself from consuming sugary food or drinks. It also comes without saying that you must avoid smoking as it is a major cause of oral health issues among smokers. In addition to taking good care of gums and teeth, you must come for regular examinations to our office Elliott Dentistry or call us at (503) 661-6111 to book an appointment. |
