This test is an overall assessment of your dental health. This includes an evaluation of the teeth, gums, and soft tissues in the mouth. Dentists recommend a thorough cleaning at least once or twice per year, usually in conjuction with an oral health evaluation. Your dental visit may include dental X-rays.

The foremost oral disease, gum disease, is treatable if found early. Routine dental exams can catch gum disease before it becomes a difficult health issue. In addition, cavities can be caught and dealt with before they worsen and lead to loss of teeth. On some occasions, precancerous or cancerous areas of mouth tissue may be discovered. There is a lack of scientific evidence for the optimal interval between dental exams. Check with your dentist as individual health history can strongly affect oral health.

Usually the dental visit begins with a thorough dental cleaning. After the cleaning your mouth will be visually examined, usually with the aid of a periodontal probe. Sometimes dental X-rays are taken to check areas that are not visible to the naked eye, usually small regions between your teeth.

If you have any heart valves that have been diseased or replaced, you may need to take certain antibiotics before and after your dental visit. This may also be necessary if you have a history of heart infection or if you have any artificial joint replacements. Check with your doctor and dentist before proceeding. Also, if you are undergoing chemotherapy or if you have a suppressed immune system, you need to check with your doctor before having any dental examinations or dental work.

You should brush your teeth well before your dental visit to clean out loose residue.

• Pregnancy
• Tobacco
• Alcoholism
• Periodontal disease
• Diabetes
• HIV infection
• Certain medications, including some anti-seizure medicines and calcium channel blockers