Dental Exam

What is a dental exam?

A dental exam is part of a checkup of your teeth and gums. It usually involves:

• A dental cleaning to remove the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth soon after you eat.
• An exam of your teeth and mouth for any signs of gum disease (periodontal disease) or tooth decay (cavities).
• X-rays of your teeth on certain visits, depending on the health of your teeth and how long it's been since your last exam. These can show hidden cavities, gum disease, bone loss in your jaw, and other problems that can't be seen by looking in your mouth.

During a dental exam, you'll usually see both a dentist and dental hygienist.

A dentist is a doctor who has special training to care for teeth and gums. They will examine your teeth for signs of disease and decay. Dentists can treat people of all ages. There are also pediatric dentists who have received additional training on dental care for children.

A dental hygienist is a health care professional trained to clean teeth and teach you how to take good care of your teeth and gums at home. They may, for example, help you develop good toothbrushing and flossing habits.

Common oral health problems, such as tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease (periodontal disease), can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss.

Poor oral health can affect your general health, too. For example, loosing teeth can cause problems with eating and nutrition, which can lead to other health problems. You can help prevent oral health problems with regular visits to the dentist and good toothbrushing and flossing habits at home.

Other names: dental checkup, oral exam, oral hygiene, dental hygiene, dental prophylaxis

What is it used for?

Dental exams are used to protect your oral health, which includes your teeth, gums, and all the muscles and bones that let you smile, speak, and chew. They can help protect your oral health by:

• Keeping your teeth free of plaque, which over time can cause cavities and destroy the tissue and bone around your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Brushing and flossing removes plaque, but not all of it. If not removed, plaque can turn into tartar, a hard substance that can build up along your gumline and cause red, swollen gums (gingivitis).
• Identifying any oral health problems early.

If an oral exam finds a problem early, a dentist may be able to treat it more easily. For example, if an exam finds a cavity early on, a dentist may be able to:

• Get rid of the damaged or decayed area of the tooth.
• Fill in the gap left behind after the dentist removed the damaged or decayed area. This keeps the tooth from getting damaged more.

If a cavity is not found early, however, it may worsen. If there is too much damage to the tooth (or if the cavity is too large), a dentist may perform a root canal or remove the tooth completely.

Gum disease, if not treated early, can also worsen, causing:

• Inflammation in your gums
• Your gums to pull away from your teeth (recede)
• Bone loss around your teeth

Poor oral health can affect your general health, too. For example, loosing teeth can cause problems with eating and nutrition, which can lead to other health problems.

Why do I need a dental exam?

Dental exams are part of routine oral health checkups. Most adults and children should have a routine dental exam every six months. However, you may need more frequent dental exams if you:

• Have gum disease
• Get a lot of cavities
• Have a family history of oral health problems
• Take medicines that make your mouth dry
• Smoke
• Are pregnant, which increases your risk for gum disease

You may also need more frequent dental exams if you have a health condition that may increase your risk for oral health problems. These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• HIV
• Osteoporosis
• Conditions that affect your immune system

Ask your dentist or dental hygienist how often you should have exams.

If you have swollen, dark red, or bleeding gums, tooth pain, or other discomfort in your mouth, don't wait for your routine dental exam. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Babies should have their first dental appointment within six months of getting their first tooth, or by their first birthday. After that, babies are usually checked every six months. Ask your baby's dentist how often your baby should have a dental exam.

What happens during a dental exam?

At a typical dental exam, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. Then the dentist will examine your mouth. At certain visits, you may have x-rays of your teeth before the dentist examines you.

Ask your dentist how often you need x-rays.

For a dental cleaning:

• The first step is called "scaling." The dental hygienist will use small, metal tools to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth. Only a professional dental scaling can remove tartar. And regular professional dental cleanings can prevent it from forming.
• Next the dental hygienist will polish your teeth, using a device like an electric toothbrush with a rubber tip. The polishing is done with a special paste that's slightly gritty.
• After the polishing, the dental hygienist will floss your teeth.
• When needed, the dental hygienist may apply a fluoride gel or foam, or dental sealants to your teeth:
  • Fluoride is a mineral that prevents tooth decay (cavities). Fluoride treatments are given to children more often than adults.
  • Sealants are thin coatings painted on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They can help prevent cavities for many years by keeping food and bacteria out of the grooves in the teeth. Sealants are mostly used in children and teens. But adults who have never had cavities in their back teeth may also choose to protect those teeth with dental sealants.
• The dental hygienist or dentist may give you tips on how to care for your teeth and gums, including the right way to brush and floss.

If dental x-rays are needed:

• Your upper body will be covered with a heavy lead apron to protect you from radiation.
• You'll bite down on a piece of plastic and an x-ray scanner will be positioned near your cheek.
• The dental hygienist will leave the room or stand behind a protective shield to take the x-ray, which only takes a few seconds.
• You'll repeat these steps a few times to get x-rays of all your teeth.

For the dentist's exam, your dentist will:

• Examine your teeth and gums.
• Check your bite, which is the way your top and bottom teeth fit together. If you have a bite problem, you may be referred to an orthodontist.
• Check for oral cancer. This involves looking and feeling for unusual lumps in your mouth, including on your lips and tongue. Your dentist may also check your face and neck.
• If you had x-rays, your dentist will also check them for any signs of an oral health problem.

Will I need to do anything to prepare for a dental exam?

If you have certain health conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before your exam to prevent infections. Ask your dentist and/or your health care provider whether you need antibiotics, especially if you have heart problems or an immune system disorder.

Some people feel anxious about going to the dentist. If you or your child feels this way, tell your dentist before your visit. Your dentist can discuss ways to help you feel more relaxed about getting dental care.

Are there any risks to a dental exam?

There is very little risk to having a dental exam. The cleaning may be uncomfortable, but it's usually not painful.

Dental x-rays are safe for most people. The dose of radiation in an x-ray is very low. But x-rays are not recommended during pregnancy, unless it's an emergency. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

What do the results mean?

After your dental exam, your dentist will discuss any oral health problems you may have and your treatment options. If you or your child has a cavity or a more serious problem, you'll probably need to make another appointment with the dentist to treat it.

Your dentist or dental hygienist may also recommend that you take certain steps to make sure your mouth and teeth are healthy. These include:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride.
• Cleaning between your teeth regularly using dental floss, a special brush, or a plastic pick. Your dentist can suggest the best way to do this.
• Replacing your toothbrush every three or four months.
• Eating a healthy diet and limiting sweets and sugary drinks. If you do have sweets, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
• Drinking fluoridated water.
• Not smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.