At Boulder Dental Designs, we believe that preventative dentistry is the cornerstone of excellent dentistry. We encourage our patients and their families to maintain good oral health. Dental exams and checkups are one way you and your family can maintain good oral health. 

HOW IMPORTANT IS ORAL HYGIENE?

Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria build to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if it is not removed. A good dental care routine and regular checkups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.

WHY GET A DENTAL EXAM?

Dental exams allow us to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future consideration to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early to be fixed quickly and easily.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A DENTAL EXAM?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, please consult with our team to decide how often your dentist should examine you. We may suggest that you visit more frequently based on smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay and gum disease.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A DENTAL EXAM?

At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. Your dentist may take a series of x-rays to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth and floss, as well as whether you use toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and suggest how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR A DENTAL EXAM?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. You are brushing your teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed. To be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you but to work with you to improve your practices and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future checkup at the end of your dental exam.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD GET A DENTAL EXAM?

Many parents ask us when is the best time for their child to visit the dentist and get a dental exam. At Boulder Dental Designs, we recommend that children visit our office before their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Before they visit our office, you can keep their mouth healthy by gently wiping the gums with a wet washcloth following feedings. This helps the gums stay healthy by avoiding the build-up of bacteria on the soft tissue. 

Caring for your oral health is extremely important because it means better oral health and means better overall health. For more information about dental exams and checkups or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Montoya or Dr. Lai, contact our office.