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General Dentistry |
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one should see a dentist once
or twice a year. A dentist will examine your teeth and
gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other
health problems.
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The first steps is to clean
your teeth is by scraping hard mineral buildup (tartar)
off of your teeth with a small metal tool, flossing your
teeth, using a polishing compound, and applying fluoride
to help clean your teeth. Dental cleanings usually aren't
painful.
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Sometimes a dentist will want
to take X-rays. The process consists of having one on
a heavy apron to shield his/her body from X-rays. Everyone
else in the room will either wear a protective apron or
step behind a protective shield.
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The dentist or technician
will have you bite down on a small piece of plastic that
helps align teeth for the procedure. The dentist will
repeat this process several times to get pictures of all
your teeth.
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A dentist may decide to put
a sealant on the chewing surface of your back teeth to
help prevent cavities. Sealants keep food and bacteria
from getting stuck in the rough chewing surfaces or grooves
of your teeth, and protect your teeth from plaque.
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If you don't have any active
tooth decay or gum disease, changes in your brushing and
flossing habits often should not be necessary. Usual recommendations
are to brush at least 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes
at a time.
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