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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffRegular dental exams are an important part of preventive health care. During a dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth and identify gum inflammation or bone loss. The dentist or hygienist will evaluate your risk of developing tooth decay and other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. A dental exam may also include dental X-rays or other diagnostic procedures.
During a dental exam, the dentist or hygienist will likely discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and may demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques. Other topics for discussion during a dental exam may include:
- Any medications you're taking
- Use of tobacco products
- Consequences of tooth loss
- Benefits of crowns, fixed bridges or dental implants
- Use of dentures
- Cosmetic procedures
A dental exam also gives you the opportunity to ask questions about oral health.
- Life stages: Adults. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/manage/stages/adults.asp. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- Standards for clinical dental hygiene practice. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/downloads/adha_standards08.pdf. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- Senior oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/seniors.htm. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- The oral cancer exam. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/TheOralCancerExam.htm. Accessed Dec. 3, 2009.
- Coulthard P, et al. Master Dentistry: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radiology, Pathology and Oral Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Limited; 2008:11.
- You and your dentist: Frequently asked questions. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/manage/you/faq.asp. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Adult oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/adults.htm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Want some life saving advice? Ask your dental hygienist about oral cancer. http://www.adha.org/downloads/oralcancer.pdf. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Oral changes with age. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/oral_changes_faq.asp. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Oral health for adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm. Accessed Dec. 15, 2009.
- Carr AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 19, 2009.
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