Professional Cleanings, Exams and X-rays
Checkups are recommended every 6 months for a healthy mouth, and every 3-4 months for those with periodontal disease. Examinations should occur at least once a year, depending on your past history of cavities. X-rays should be taken between every 6 months to 3 years depending on your past history of restorations and how regularly you visit the dentist for exams.
Bad Breath
Halitosis can be caused by diet, poor oral hygiene, a condition called dry mouth, or a range of medical issues from relatively minor to more serious — from post-nasal drip to gastrointestinal or liver problems.
Flossing
Flossing is very simple and will only add a few extra minutes to your oral hygiene routine. Gently position the floss between your teeth and wrap it around the tooth like a C-shape, work it up and down, taking care to get the entire tooth from top to bottom.
Oral Cancer Screening
Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up below the gum line and starts to pull the gums away from the roots of the teeth. It has been linked to diabetes and heart disease.
Bruxism
Are you waking up in the morning with unexplained pain in your jaw and teeth? Do you have a mysterious headache in your temples and an earache that does not go away? If you have ongoing pain in your jaw, neck, ears, and temples, then there is a very good chance that you are suffering from a fairly common condition known as bruxism.
Mouthguards
When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, are higher-risk sports for the mouth, you can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.
Sealants
Sealants are generally used to help prevent tooth decay on the biting surfaces of back teeth (molars). The natural grooves of these teeth can trap food that can resist casual brushing and rinsing. If left in place, the trapped food allows bacteria to multiply, eventually causing tooth decay and requiring costly attention.