What is a dental health check-up?
A dental health check-up, or preventive examination, is a fundamental dental service that allows for the assessment of the oral cavity and teeth condition and the identification of potential dental problems at an early stage. During the consultation, the dentist carefully examines the teeth, gums, and oral mucosa, looking for signs of dental caries, gum inflammation, or other abnormalities. A preventive examination is crucial because many dental diseases initially develop without symptoms and can cause serious dental damage if not treated promptly.
During the examination, the specialist takes X-rays, which allow for viewing the tooth structure and detecting hidden tooth damage between teeth or below the gum line. Other instruments, such as probes and mirrors, are also used for diagnosis, allowing for a detailed evaluation of each tooth’s condition and the health of the tooth roots. Diagnostics are supplemented by digital technologies, which provide more precise and faster results, improving the overall quality of diagnosis.
Professional Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is an essential component of oral hygiene, involving professional teeth cleaning and plaque removal from the tooth surface. The hygienist uses special instruments and ultrasonic devices to remove tartar and plaque that cannot be eliminated with a regular toothbrush at home. Pigmentation formed on the teeth due to smoking or dietary products can also be successfully removed with air-abrasive cleaning (soda jet) and tooth polishing. Professional teeth cleaning helps maintain healthy gums and prevent the development of gingivitis (gingivitis is a milder gum inflammation than periodontitis. The term gingivitis refers to bleeding gums), as well as the development of periodontitis, which is one of the most common oral diseases in adults.
Regular professional teeth cleaning is just as important as daily home dental care. The hygienist not only cleans the teeth but also polishes the tooth surface, making it smoother and less susceptible to plaque accumulation. Afterwards, the dental hygienist provides individual recommendations on home dental hygiene and the correct tooth brushing technique, which helps maintain the achieved results for longer.