What Happens During a Hygiene Exam?
First, your dental hygienist cleans your teeth and mouth. This includes removing any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth and gums, a procedure that helps prevent gum disease and cavities.
Next, we brush, floss and polish your teeth, and possibly provide a fluoride treatment for your tooth enamel.
We recommend taking X-rays of your mouth once a year, so we can get a better look at your teeth and what’s going on beneath your gums. If you are due for an X-ray, it will be done during this visit.
While cleaning your mouth, your hygienist examines your teeth, gums, muscles and soft tissues, then discusses their findings with you and the dentist. Sometimes, what they find may require further dental treatment or a referral to one of our specialist partners.
What Do You Look for During a Hygiene Exam?
More than just cleaning your teeth, your dental hygiene visit may include:
- A periodontal (gum disease) exam
- An orthodontic evaluation
- A general visual exam of your face, mouth, teeth and jaw
- Screening for cancer
If we spot any potential issues, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Since good oral health is closely connected to overall body health, our team is thinking about you as a whole person. We are trained to spot issues and risks, including:
- Premature births
- Diabetes
- Oral cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Stroke
Good Oral Health Starts at Home
Good dental health—and the health of the rest of your body—requires more than twice-yearly visits to our office. You can care for your mouth in a variety of ways between appointments to prevent problems like periodontal disease, gingivitis, halitosis (bad breath) and tooth decay.
Patient education and discussing options for at-home care of teeth and gums are fundamental parts of our exams at Craig C. Callen, D.D.S., L.L.C. & Associates. We address any questions about your oral health habits, caring for your teeth and what you can do to keep your mouth healthy in between exams.
In general, we advise you to brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Don’t brush too hard, as this may lead to gum recession. We also recommend using dental floss once a day to prevent gum disease and keep the space between teeth clean, too.
At each checkup you’ll get a hygiene kit with toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss and more goodies to take home with you.
Looking for a Dentist Near You in Mansfield?
We’re always welcoming new patients to our practice. To book an appointment with the Craig C. Callen, D.D.S., L.L.C. & Associates team today, give us a call during office hours at (419) 756-0188.
We look forward to your dental visit and will see you soon!
Looking for Comprehensive Dental Hygiene Exams in Mansfield?
At Craig C. Callen, D.D.S., L.L.C. & Associates, we provide thorough dental hygiene exams to help maintain your oral health and prevent potential issues before they become serious concerns. Our team focuses on personalized care, professional cleanings, and detailed evaluations to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Call us at (419) 756-0188 to schedule your dental hygiene exam today! Let us help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health with comfortable, high-quality preventive dental care.