How often should I go to the dentist?

The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and cleanings. This frequency level works well for most people, although some people with gum disease, a genetic predisposition for plaque build-up or cavities, or a weakened immune system might need to visit the dentist more frequently for optimal care.

Comprehensive dental exams not only check for tooth decay and gum health but also examine your entire mouth, head, and neck area. This type of exam is generally given if you are a first-time patient to a new dentist, but should also be given periodically by any dentist you’ve been visiting for years. The comprehensive exam will likely include these evaluations:

Head and neck — Your dentist will look for any problems on the exterior surface of your head and neck, as well as feel for any swelling or tenderness (which are signs of an infection or disease) in your lymph nodes and salivary glands in your neck area. Your dentist will also examine your temporomandibular joint to determine if it is working properly.

Soft tissue — The soft tissues of your mouth include the tongue, inside of the lips and cheeks, and the floor and roof of the mouth. Your dentist will examine these areas for spots, lesions, cuts, swellings, or growths that could indicate an oral health problem. Your dentist will also inspect the back of your throat and tonsil area.

Gum tissue—. Your dentist will examine your gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Your dentist will look for signs of gum disease, which include red or puffy gum tissue and tissue that easily bleeds when gently poked. If your dentist determines you have gum disease, he or she might send you to a periodontist.

Occlusion —Your dentist will check how well your upper and lower teeth come together. Your dentist might simply look at how your teeth meet, or he or she might take wax impressions of your teeth if a more careful exam of "your bite" is necessary.

Clinical examination of teeth — Your dentist will check for signs of tooth decay by examining the surface of every tooth. He or she will likely poke your teeth with a dental instrument, called an explorer, to look for cavities. (Decayed enamel feels softer when poked compared to healthy enamel.) Your dentist will also check for any problems with fillings, braces, bridges, dentures, crowns, or other restorations.

X-rays — Your dentist will take X-rays to look for signs of tooth decay, as well as for gum disease and other oral health problems.

Ex.19. Supply the missing words given below and translate:

Two oral health care professionals - your dentist and the dental hygienist – will likely see you. The hygienist will conduct an initial _____ exam of your gums and teeth, document any changes in your overall health and _______ use, clean and polish your _____, talk to you about caring for your teeth and ____, and answer any questions you might have about home care products. Your dentist will also conduct an oral _____ of your mouth (for signs of oral cancer or other ______), gums, and teeth; ask about changes in your overall health or medicine use; review the cleaning done by the hygienist; diagnose any oral health problems; and make _______ recommendations.

(exam, treatment, diseases, gums, oral, teeth, medicine)

Ex.20. Insert the missing prepositions where necessary and translate the following sentences:

1.Your teeth can be thoroughly cleaned __ a professional cleaning only. 2. Most hygienists use a series ___ metal hand instruments to clean your teeth. 3. _____ your teeth have been cleaned, they are polished to remove plaque and stains __ the tooth surface. 4. The polish contains __ an abrasive substance and fluoride. 5. Your hygienist will give you instructions about brushing or flossing, or general care questions ______ your teeth and gums.