Dental Checkups

Brushing and flossing is an important first step in preventative dental health care. However, at-home care isn’t enough. You also need regular checkups with a dentist and hygienist to keep your teeth and gums healthy and your smile dazzling.

Regular Visits

At Feels Like Family Dentistry, we believe in a personalized approach to dental health. Most people need a dental checkup every six months. However, we will work with you to determine the right schedule for your individual needs. Depending on your dental health history and the condition of your teeth and gums, you may need more or less frequent checkups.

Baby’s First Checkup

Many parents wonder when to start bringing their children in for dental exams. As a general rule, children should start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in and before their first birthday. Early dental checkups set the stage for a lifetime of good dental care.

What to Expect at Your Dental Checkup

Your dental checkup will be tailored to meet your individual needs. However, there are some things that you can expect at most checkups.

• Cleaning – Your dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth. A variety of gentle tools will be used to remove tartar, plaque, and stains.
• Examination – Perhaps the most important part of any checkup is the examination. Your dentist will closely check your teeth and gums for cavities or other concerns. We will also measure the pockets between your teeth and gums.
• X-Rays – At some checkups, we will take X-rays of your teeth. X-rays complement the visual exam and help us look for signs of decay and gum disease that may not be seen with the naked eye.
• Education and On-Going Care – After your cleaning and dental exam, we will discuss any concerns. If any additional treatments are needed, we will put together a plan that works best for you. We will also talk about how to best care for your teeth at home, including improvements or changes to your brushing and flossing routine.

Communication With Your Dental Team

Good dental health requires a team approach. Communicating with your dentist and dental hygienist will help you make the most of your appointment. Be sure to talk with your team about:

• Dental Anxiety – It is very common to feel nervous about dental visits. Please tell us prior to your visit if you have dental anxiety. We can work together to help you feel comfortable.
• Health Concerns – Dental health and physical health are closely related. Tell us if you have any health concerns or are taking any medication, especially if there have been changes since your last visit.
• Dental Concerns – Even small changes in your teeth, gums or mouth can be signs of a problem. Tell us if you have noticed any changes or if you have pain or sensitivity in your teeth, gums or mouth.

At Feels Like Family Dentistry, we want to be your partners in dental health. Call us today to schedule a checkup. Whether it’s your baby’s first checkup, or your own busy schedule has you a bit overdue for a cleaning, we can work together to get you back on the path to excellent dental health.