A dental exam, commonly referred to as a dental checkup, is the process used by our clinical team to carefully review your oral health. At Smiles By Design, our dental exams involve the entire mouth, as a component of a first time visit or a regular 6-month check-up. Additionally, dental checkups can asses your overall oral health. As your local Scottsdale dentist, we understand the importance of good oral hygiene. Dental exams can be used to identify a specific issue in one area of the mouth, such as, swelling, broken teeth, or other dental issues.

Most adults should get a dental exam every six months. If you have swollen, bleeding gums (known as gingivitis) or other gum disease, your dentist may want to see you more often. Some adults with gum disease may see a dentist three or four times a year. More frequent exams may help prevent a serious gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to infection and tooth loss.

To keep your mouth healthy, you'll need to take good care of your teeth and gums, both by having regular dental exams and practicing good dental habits at home. Good home oral care includes the following steps:

Good home oral care includes the following steps:

Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush. Brush for about two minutes.

Use a toothpaste that has fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

Floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque, which can damage teeth and gums.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.

Eat a healthy diet, avoiding or limiting sweets and sugary drinks. If you do eat or drink sweets, brush your teeth soon after.

Don't smoke. Smokers have more oral health problems than nonsmokers.

At Smiles By Design, we take a lot of pride in serving the Scottsdale area. Choosing the right dentist can be difficult but we are confident that our dental team will provide the best patient experience in Scottsdale. Request an appointment today to receive a dental exam from our clinical team.