What happens during a dental exam?A typical dental exam will include a cleaning by a hygienist, x-rays on certain visits, and a checkup of your mouth by the dentist.During a cleaning:You or your child will sit in a large chair. A bright overhead light will shine above you. The hygienist will clean your teeth using small, metal dental tools. He or she will scrape your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria and coats teeth. If plaque builds up on teeth, it turns into tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can get trapped at the bottom of teeth.The hygienist will floss your teeth.He or she will brush your teeth, using a special electric toothbrush.He or she may then apply a fluoride gel or foam to your teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay. Tooth decay can lead to cavities. Fluoride treatments are given to children more often than to adults.The hygienist or dentist may give you tips on how to care for your teeth, including proper brushing and flossing techniques.Dental x-rays are images that can show cavities, gum disease, bone loss, and other problems that can't be seen by just looking at the mouth.During an x-ray, the dentist or hygienist will:Place a thick covering, called a lead apron, over your chest. You may get an additional covering for your neck to protect your thyroid gland. These coverings protect the rest of your body from radiation.Have you bite down on a small piece of plastic.Place a scanner outside your mouth. He or she will take a picture, while standing behind a protective shield or other area.For certain types of x-rays, you will repeat this process, biting down in different areas of your mouth, as instructed by the dentist or hygienist.There are different types of dental x-rays. A type called a full-mouth series may be taken once every few years to check your overall oral health. Another type, called bitewing x-rays, may be used more often to check for cavities or other tooth problems.During the dentist's checkup, the dentist will:Check your x-rays, if you've had them, for cavities or other problems.Look at your teeth and gums to see if they are healthy.Check the bite (the way the top and bottom teeth fit together). If there is a bite problem, you may be referred to an orthodontist.Check for oral cancer. This includes feeling under your jaw, checking the insides of your lips, the sides of your tongue, and on the roof and floor of your mouth.In addition to the above checks, a pediatric dentist may check to see if your child's teeth are developing normally.
