Love Your Smile

What to expect at your dental visit and how to keep your smile healthy

A regular dental check-up is important because it helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. You should have a regular dental visit at least every 6 months or as recommended by your dental professional. At Marquard Dental we are committed to keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.

What happens at your dental visit?

There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit – check-up, or (examination) and the cleaning (oral prophylaxis).

When you arrive for your appointment an examination will determine any decay or cavities. X-rays may be taken to see below the gumline. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.

Next, your gums will be checked. This will be done with a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. With healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. Deeper spaces or pockets may indicate a sign of gum disease.

The check-up should also include a careful examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck, also known as an oral cancer screening. This is to look for any signs of trouble - swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

Your teeth will also be cleaned during your visit. Brushing and flossing help to clean the plaque from your teeth and it is recommended that you brush at least 2 times per day and floss daily. Once tartar buildup starts, it takes special instruments to remove and cannot be done at home. This process is called scaling.

Scaling removes plaque and tartar

After your teeth are scaled, they may be polished. In most cases, a gritty paste is used for this. It helps to remove any surface stains on your teeth. Flossing is the final step. Your dental professional will use floss to make sure the areas between your teeth are clean.

What should I do between visits?

Be sure to take care of your teeth and gums between regular dental visits. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, but you can manage it by brushing and flossing regularly. Here are some tips for good oral care at home.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day
• Floss daily
• Use a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria and for fresher breath

Pick up the phone now and call Dr. Marquard at 614-833-0805 to schedule your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, we are here to help!

Dr. Marquard wants to help keep your smile the healthiest it can be!

From all of us at Marquard Dental…“Keep smiling!”