Cleanings and checkups

Why regular visits matter

Regular dental visits help find problems early, when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable, and they prevent many problems from developing at all. They also matter because some diseases and medical conditions have symptoms that show up in the mouth. Even without symptoms you can have dental problems that only a dentist can diagnose, which is why continuity of care is part of any health plan.

What a checkup covers

At a typical checkup the dentist or hygienist asks about changes in your health, examines your teeth and gums, and decides whether X-rays are needed. The hygienist cleans your teeth and may check your gums with special instruments. The dentist reviews your overall dental health and does an oral cancer screening. Tell the office about new medications or medical conditions, because many of them can affect your mouth.

How often to go

There is no one-size-fits-all schedule. Some people visit once or twice a year, and others need more visits, depending on their mouth and their needs. Ask your dentist how often you should come back and why, and write the interval down so you can book ahead.

X-rays: when and why

X-rays reveal damage or disease that a visual exam cannot, such as new cavities or impacted teeth. How often you need them depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease and any symptoms. Children and teens may need them more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are still developing. Under 2024 recommendations from an expert panel of dentists at the American Dental Association, X-rays should be taken when the dentist believes they will provide the diagnostic information needed for your best dental health.

Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, and today's doses are much lower than in the past. ADA experts still recommend X-rays in moderation, and they say leaded aprons and thyroid collars are no longer needed for patients of any age or health status, including during pregnancy. Some practices continue to use shielding because of local regulations, so if you have questions, ask.

Between visits

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth all the time. When you eat or drink sugars, the bacteria make acids that attack enamel, and over time that can lead to cavities. You can lower the risk with a few habits: brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day with floss or an interdental cleaner, eat balanced meals and limit snacking, and ask your dentist about supplemental fluoride and sealants. Sealants are a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where decay often starts.

Find an office near you in the directory of St. Louis Park dentists, and see fillings, crowns and root canals for what happens if a cavity does form.

Common questions