If there might be a problem with your bite, you may be referred to an orthodontist (say: or-tho-DON-tist). The dentist will also check the way your top and bottom teeth work together. The dentist will look at all of your teeth and check your gums to make sure they're strong and healthy.
As you gently bite down on the plastic, you'll have to be very still for a few seconds while the dental hygienist snaps the picture. The dental hygienist will place a thick blanket over your chest (to protect your body from the high-energy waves) and put a piece of plastic (that holds the X-ray film) into your mouth. It does not hurt to get an X-ray and it takes only a few seconds. They can show cavities hiding between your teeth and problems beneath your gums. You may also have X-rays, or pictures, taken of your teeth. How Does the Dentist Check for Cavities?ĭuring your visit, the dentist carefully looks for cavities. Flossing involves using a piece of waxy string called dental floss to get in between your teeth and remove food particles that your brush can't reach. Then they will floss your teeth and show you the proper way to brush and floss your teeth at home. The toothpaste might taste like your own toothpaste at home, but it will feel a little grittier - almost like sand. The toothbrush has a small, round tip that moves around and around to clean your teeth. The dentist or hygienist will brush your teeth with a special toothbrush and toothpaste. A cavity is a decayed, or rotted, part of a tooth. Plaque that isn't removed from your teeth can cause a cavity (say: KAH-vuh-tee). Plaque is a thin, sticky layer that coats your teeth and contains bacteria (say: bak-TEER-ee-uh) that grow on your teeth over time. The tooth scraper removes plaque (say: plak) from your teeth. The dentist or hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, using tiny dental tools like a tooth scraper, mirror, and special toothbrush.
A bright, overhead light will shine down into your mouth like a giant flashlight so they can get a good look inside your mouth. The dentist or hygienist will look inside your mouth to make sure your teeth are growing properly and your gums are healthy. Either the dental hygienist or the dentist will check your teeth and give them a good cleaning. A dental hygienist is a person who knows all about keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy. One of the people you may meet at the dentist's office is the dental hygienist (say: hi-JEH-nist). Next to the chair may be a little sink with a cup that you can use to rinse out your mouth as your teeth are being cleaned.ĭuring the exam, your teeth will be cleaned, flossed, and checked for cavities. The chair will have a place to rest your head and lots of room for you to stretch your legs. What Happens at the Dentist's Office?Īfter your name is called in the waiting room, you'll go into an exam room and sit down in a big, comfortable chair that is like a huge recliner. It's important to visit your dentist every 6 months to make sure you're taking good care of your teeth and that your teeth and gums are healthy. The dentist also wants to make sure your teeth are developing properly as you grow. When you visit for a checkup, your dentist will look at your teeth and gums to check for any problems. The dentist is a doctor who is specially trained to care for teeth. Let's learn more about what happens at the dentist's office.
Your teeth are an important part of your smile, and they also help you chew foods like crunchy apples or yummy pizza.īrushing and flossing are important, but you also need to visit your dentist regularly to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Q: What part of your body helps you to digest your favorite foods, say "cheese," and look great in pictures?