Why go to the dentist

It is likely that you have asked yourself this question many times with the idea of ​​avoiding going to the dentist at all costs. These visits are feared by many people, but in reality they are necessary to have good oral health. Do not be afraid! Visiting your dentist is important to have a healthy and radiant smile. Here we tell you what to expect during a visit to the dental office and what is a dental evaluation or review.

If year after year you leave aside your visit to the dentist as something that you will do in the future, it is time for you to reconsider. You may not want to go see your dentist because you are afraid of the needles and the noise of the machine. But do not be afraid! Nowadays oral health professionals have so many tools at their disposal that, along with their professionalism, guarantee you a visit with the fewest discomforts (pains) that are possible. Also, how do you know what the dentist will do if you do not see it? Those fears may be making you delay a very important visit that can save you many toothaches.

What is a dental evaluation or review?

A dental examination allows your dentist to examine your entire mouth, including your lips, your gums, your tongue, and your teeth and bones that support your teeth. In addition, during this checkup your dentist can check for cavities, plaque, or if your gum is in good health.

How often should you visit the dentist?

It is recommended that you go 2 times a year. The first dental visit young children should be before they are 3 years old.

What happens during the visit to the dentist?

If this is the first time you go, you will need to fill out a questionnaire with questions about your medical history. This is because some dental procedures are done in different ways according to certain health conditions, for example, if you are allergic to certain antibiotics, or if you have any heart problems, heart valve, a clotting problem, etc. The dentist or dentist should also know if you have any chronic medical condition (such as diabetes), as this may affect the bacterial content of saliva and the health of your mouth in general.

The dentist will examine your face and the lymph nodes under the jaw to see if they are swollen, which indicates an infection. It will also check your bite, use a mirror to examine your tongue and other soft tissues that are in your mouth. With a sharp tool called a browser, the dentist will examine tooth for tooth looking for decay and to determine if fillers or crowns.

To help, the dentist may, on the first visit take some X – rays or X – rays to see in detail how are your teeth. X-rays can see if there are cavities, bone destruction and other problems that require treatment. In addition, the x-rays allow you to see the position of the teeth, and tell you if any correction is necessary.

To examine whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease) the dentist uses an instrument to measure the distance of space – if any between the gums and teeth. Red and swollen (swollen) gums that bleed indicate that you may have gingivitis or periodontitis.

The dentist will ask you about your cleaning routines because oral hygiene is reflected in the amount of plaque or calculus (tartar) that is in your teeth. If you do not have cavities or other diseases in your mouth and in your teeth, the specialist will do a professional cleaning.

Why is it important to have a professional cleaning at least twice a year?

Professional cleaning refers to the one you do not do at home with the toothbrush, dental floss and mouthwash. It involves a visit to the dental office, because it is deeper. This type of professional cleaning is recommended to maintain good health of teeth and gums. The main objective is to remove plaque – the soft stuff that accumulates around your teeth and your gums – and calculus or tartar, hard material that forms when the plaque is not removed by brushing and the use of silk or floss. The calculus or calculus is removed with a sharp instrument. Then your teeth are “polished” with a non-abrasive substance. From there you will leave with a feeling of freshness and a renewed smile.