New
Pediatric dental specialists now offering a free exam and x-rays PLUS 20% off treatment! Call 832-804-7427 to schedule now
Learn More
Lovett Logo
Call Us
832-804-7427
Clear Aligners

How Often Should I Schedule My Dental Exam?

patient getting dental exam

Dental health problems can arise, even when following a comprehensive oral hygiene routine. Hence, it is vital to undergo a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning to prevent and detect these issues. An oral health specialist can analyze the state of a patient's teeth and gums to recommend preventive care measures. Lovett Dental provides dental care services aimed at improving your oral health. To learn more, contact us today at 832-804-7427.

How Often Should You Schedule a Dental Exam?

Dentists recommend scheduling a dental exam every six months for a close follow-up on your oral health. Still, some conditions and lifestyle choices may require more medical check-ups. For instance, medications such as antidepressants and devices like lung inhalers may cause dry mouth. The lack of enough saliva can trigger conditions such as:

  • Tooth decay
  • Mouth sores
  • Thrush
  • Gum disease

It is crucial to inform a dentist about the medical devices and prescription drugs you use during the appointment. This information helps in assessing their effects on oral health to determine how often you need dental exams. The specialist can also recommend practices and a diet that will stimulate saliva production.

Overlapping teeth, braces, and fixed dentures may make brushing and flossing more challenging. Hence, one may need professional teeth cleaning to avoid gum disease and cavities. Other factors that call for frequent dental exams include tobacco use and consuming sugary food and drinks.

What To Expect During a Dental Exam

A typical dental exam involves the examination of various aspects of oral health to detect potential problems. The dentist may take several X-rays to capture the interiors of the jaw bones and teeth. This procedure helps in identifying conditions that do not show physical symptoms, such as early tooth decay. The patient may also undergo a bite analysis and determine whether there is a need for corrective procedures. Another vital aspect of a dental exam is the screening for oral cancer. This process involves a physical exam of the cheeks, lips, mouth, and tongue to identify abnormalities.

Based on the information gathered during the exam, the patient may undergo procedures to improve their oral health. One of the most common practices is professional dental cleaning. This process involves the removal of plaque and tartar using a unique hooked tool known as a scalar. After that, a hygienist will brush teeth using an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. The final step entails flossing and fluoride treatment to strengthen teeth and prevent infection.

Concerns To Raise During a Dental Exam

Raising various concerns during a dental exam can help diagnose health issues and identify their causes. It is crucial to provide detailed information on any illness diagnosed since the last session. This step allows a physician to consider the conditions when creating a treatment and prevention program. Moreover, the patient should inform their dentist if they are pregnant or allergic to specific medication and dental whitening agents. They should also mention other symptoms not identified in the exam, such as gum and tooth sensitivity. Other concerns to raise during a dental exam are:

  • Changes on gums, such as bleeding and soreness
  • Tobacco usage
  • Facial muscle pain
  • Changes in the skin color of the mouth
  • Toothache
  • Evaluation of orthodontic appliances

Contact Lovett Dental Today

Visiting a dentist and observing proper oral hygiene can help in the prevention of adverse issues. Lovett Dental provides a comprehensive dental exam to help you maintain good health. We also offer various cosmetic dentistry services, such as:

Our specialists can assess a patient's dental health to recommend corrective treatments. Contact Lovett Dental now at 832-804-7427 to book a comprehensive dental exam appointment.

crossmenuchevron-downcross-circle