Regular oral examinations and hygiene cleanings with your Oakville dentist can help you prevent dental issues from occurring.
Oral Examinations
We ideally like to see our patients twice a year for regular oral exams. These examinations give your dentist an opportunity to check for oral health complications and formulate treatment plans earlier and more effectively.
During your exam, your dentist will take a close look at the health of your teeth, gums, jaw and bite. Exams may also include dental X-rays, an oral cancer screening and other diagnostic procedures when called for.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Any part of the mouth or surrounding tissues can be impacted by oral cancer. Your dentist will check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer, which are difficult to detect with the naked eye during your exam.
Caring for Your Smile at Home
It's important to maintain your oral health between dental appointments. River Oaks Dental recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and flossing at least once a day.
Hygiene Cleaning
Before or after the examination with your dentist, your dental hygienist will perform a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums to help prevent and treat disease.
To begin, they will use a scaler to remove any tartar and plaque build-up. Next, they will use a polisher and coarse toothpaste to remove any leftover stains or plaque, followed by thorough flossing of your teeth and gums.
Fluoride Treatment
When a patient is at a high risk of tooth decay, our dentists may recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that can help to rebuild the minerals in your tooth enamel to prevent or reverse tooth decay.