Regular Checkups
Don't brush off regular checkups to the dentist! Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. We encourage regular checkups at least every six months. Seeing the dentist twice a year is recommended because your dentist can:
- Check for problems that you might not see or feel
- Find early signs of decay
- Treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable
Your First Visit
Your first visit to the doctor typically includes a series of x-rays that allows the doctor to view tooth decay, missing teeth, malformed roots and the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted.
The initial visit also involves getting your medical history. When you share your medical history with the doctor, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the doctor the names, doses, and frequency of any medications you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter products — and the name of your physician. Inform the doctor of any changes in your health or medications. It is also important to bring up any fears you may have about dental treatmentThe information collected in your first visit will help the doctor select the safest and most effective method of treatment for you.