Make sure you bring insurance cards, ID cards, a list of medications (if applicable), and the new patient paperwork filled out (you can access this paperwork under the Patient Information tab > Medical Forms).

Visits to the dentist every 6 months are crucial for maintaining optimum oral health. The cleaning and polishing will help your teeth and gums stay healthy. During the check-up, the dentist will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and check for any conditions or diseases, such as oral cancer or gum disease. Early detection of health issues will allow you to get immediate treatment and avoid complications. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/the-importance-of-regular-dental-visits

Flossing is essential for cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. 40% of the surface area of your tooth is cleaned by flossing. It will prevent plaque from building up and strengthen your gums so that you can protect yourself against gum disease. https://www.dentalassociates.com/blog/hate-flossing-these-5-things-will-change-your-mind

Mouthwash is not necessary for an effective oral care routine, but it can be beneficial in reducing plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. https://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthrinse

Bad breath can have multiple causes, including bacteria left in your mouth after eating, dry mouth, eating foods with strong scents (garlic, onions, coffee, etc.), smoking and tobacco, and gum disease. You can fight bad breath by brushing and flossing twice a day, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bad-breath

If you are starting to floss for the first time in a while, your gums may not be used to it and might bleed for up to about a week. This is a regular response and does not indicate anything serious unless the bleeding continues. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease and needs to be treated quickly. Talk to your dentist if your gums bleed often while brushing or flossing. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bleeding-gums

Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth. When you eat foods that contain sugar, bacteria in the plaque can release acids that attack your tooth enamel. When enamel breaks down, cavities form. Plaque that is not removed eventually hardens into tartar or calculus. It is important to brush and floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to remove plaque and prevent cavities. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/p/plaque

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Cavities occur when plaque breaks down the hard outer surface of your teeth, called enamel. Cavities can be prevented by brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, eating nutritious meals, and making regular visits to the dentist. You can also talk to your dentist about getting sealants as additional protection. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities

X-Rays are an important part of your check-up visit because they allow the dentist to see the hard tissues in your mouth and observe problems that might be forming, such as tooth decay, bone disease, gum disease, infections, and tumors. Early detection can enable the dentist to treat the issue before it spreads to other parts of the mouth. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/for_the_dental_patient_sept_2011.pdf?la=en

Sealants are thin, protective coverings made from dental material that cover the back molars and prevent cavities from forming. Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80% in molars. Both children and adults can get sealants, but they are especially important for children. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sealants

If you get a cavity, it can be filled with a safe and quick procedure. The dentist will numb the teeth, gums, and skin around your tooth, then drill out the decay. The dentist will then fill the hole with a composite filling, which is a durable material that will provide resistance against chewing and matches the color of your teeth.

A crown is used when a tooth with a large filling doesn't have enough tooth surface remaining to hold the filling. Crowns can also hold bridges, which prevent teeth from breaking or restore teeth that are already broken. A crown will help your tooth be stronger and look better. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/crowns

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Periodontal disease is an infection of your gums and is caused by plaque buildup. Gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth. Warning signs that can signal a problem: - Gums that bleed easily - Red, swollen, tender gums - Gums that have pulled away from the teeth - Persistent bad breath or bad taste - Permanent teeth that are loose or separating - Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite - Any change in the fit of dentures In order to prevent periodontal disease, practice good oral hygiene, quit smoking or chewing tobacco, and know if you are at risk because of other reasons (pregnancy, diabetes, certain medications, genetics.) See your dentist if you suspect gum disease. The sooner it is treated, the more likely it is that it can be reversed. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease

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A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth and typically begin to appear when a baby is between 6 months and 1 year. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-teeth

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