Why dental check-ups are important?

Keep teeth and gums health

Why do I need to have my teeth routinely checked, when I don’t have any dental problem?

A routine dental check-up helps to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Your dentist will be able to:

• Give tooth brushing and oral hygiene instructions
• Refer to a medical officer or a dental specialist, if necessary
• Update your dental records
• Do prophylactic management such as scaling, if necessary
• Diagnose and treat any dental problem
• Give advice regarding on dental problems

How often should for a dental check-up?

Dental check-up are generally recommended every six months or at least once per year though it can be different for each individual depending on their oral health needs.

What happens during a dental check-up?

1. Clinical dental examination
   • Examining the gums (looking for signs of gum disease)
     
   • Checking for loose/broken teeth
   • Looking at the tissues inside mouth
   • Examining tongue
   • Checking bite
   • Looking for visual evidence of tooth decay
   • Checking for damaged fillings
   • Taking X-rays (if necessary)
     
     

2. Dentist will ask about general health and any problems had with teeth, mouth or gum since last visit
   
   
3. Cleaning process if necessary
    
   • Scaling & polishing
   • Flossing
      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference:

Oral Health Division, Ministry of Health

Health Department of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya