Cosmetic Dentistry in Victoria, BC

Oral Care and Dental Check-ups in Victoria

What should your oral care regimen involve? Of course, brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and using an oral rinse, along with visiting your oral hygienist for bi-annual teeth cleanings are essential. When you visit your Victoria dentist once every six months, you should have a full dental check-up with your dentist as well as a cleaning by your hygienist. During your regular check-up, your dentist will examine your dental health and discuss any questions or issues you might be having. Your dentist will look at the health of each individual tooth, as well as your gums and whole mouth, and look for signs of oral cancer.

He will determine whether any existing dental work you have is holding up well, and if there are any teeth that need attention in terms of fillings, onlays, inlays, crowns, root canals, extractions or otherwise. As part of your bi-annual check-up, your dentist will also look for early signs of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, such as red or swollen gums or bleeding gums. Gum disease and poor oral hygiene have been linked with poor overall health, in particular heart disease, so it is important to keep in mind that by keeping your gums and teeth healthy you are keeping up your overall health. Early gum disease can often be reversed with judicious cleaning and attention to the gums, and if there are signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you return for more frequent cleanings, for example, every three months. Serious gum disease and/or bone issues will likely be referred to a periodontist, who deals specifically with these issues on a daily basis. Once the overall health of your smile is determined to be good, your dentist can also discuss with you options to improve the look of your smile, if you are interested. There are many options, from orthodontics to cosmetic contouring to whitening to a single veneer or a full set of veneers. Visiting your dentist for your regular check-ups every six months should be an essential part of your health care regimen, and helps to keep your whole self healthy, not just your teeth! Call today to set up your next dental checkup appointment.