Often, not only children, but also some adults are a little afraid and nervous about visiting a dentist, right? You may think things like, "Oh, will it hurt when I go there? I don't know what they'll do." But did you know, the help of a dentist is very important to keep our teeth healthy and to always have a beautiful smile. So today, let's talk about what really happens and what is done when we go to a dentist. Then your fear and nervousness will be reduced a little, and you will be able to relax!
Who is a dentist? What does he do?
Simply put, a dentist, or more precisely , a dentist, is a doctor who has received special training in the health of our teeth, gums, and the entire mouth. Just like there are doctors who specialize in other diseases of our body.
Do you know what a dentist does?
- I'm going to examine the inside of your mouth carefully.
- They check to see if there are any problems with the teeth, if cavities are starting to form, or if there are any infections in the gums.
- He will also check to see if your teeth are coming in properly and in order, or if there are any bite problems.
Taking care of these things, especially from a young age, is very important to keep your teeth healthy.
How often should I see the dentist?
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to see a dentist at least once every six months for a dental checkup. This is especially important for young children. Do you know why? Because sometimes we can start to have small problems with our teeth without even realizing it. If that happens, if the doctor can identify it early, it can be cured with simple treatment before it becomes a big problem. Just like a sapling that is properly cared for when it is young will be healthy when it grows into a big tree.
What is the dentist's office like?
When you go to the dentist's office, the first thing you'll notice is the special chair. It's a large chair with a headrest and a place to stretch your legs. Next to the chair, you'll probably see a small sink and a cup of water for rinsing your mouth.
When you sit in the chair, the doctor or a dental hygienist (who are trained to clean your teeth and give you advice on dental health) will put a small paper bib in front of you to prevent water and other things from splashing on your clothes. Then you will feel the chair tilt back a little. This is to make it easier for the doctor to see inside your mouth clearly. So don't be afraid of that, okay?
What actually happens during a dental checkup?
Okay, now let's see what exactly happens during a dental checkup, or your dental checkup . Usually, either the doctor, the dental hygienist, or sometimes both of them together, do these things.
1. First check the teeth and gums
To look inside your mouth, the doctor will turn on a large light above your head. It's like a big torch. In addition, he will use a small mirror-like device to carefully examine your teeth, the back of your teeth, and your gums. This is the first way to find out if there is a problem.
2. Next is teeth cleaning.
The next step is to thoroughly clean your teeth. For this, the doctor or dental hygienist uses small instruments. You may have noticed that sometimes they use a small hook-like device to remove plaque from your teeth.
What is dental plaque?
Dental plaque is a thin, sticky film that forms on the surface of our teeth. This plaque builds up when we eat or brush our teeth. This plaque builds up and bacteria forms on it, which leads to cavities , or what we call tooth decay. A cavity is a condition where part of a tooth has decayed and become damaged.
When you brush your teeth, it sometimes feels like water is being sprayed on your teeth. At the same time, you suck the water back in with a small tube. This is done to clean your teeth thoroughly.
3. Teeth Polishing
After you've cleaned your teeth thoroughly, the next step is to polish them. This is done using a device that looks like a small electric toothbrush. The special toothpaste you put on it feels a little grittier than the toothpaste you use at home. It's like there's a little sand in it. This will make your teeth shine beautifully.
4. Flossing between teeth
Next, your doctor or hygienist will use dental floss to remove any food particles stuck between your teeth. This can remove small pieces of food that your toothbrush cannot remove. They can also teach you how to properly brush and floss your teeth at home.
5. Fluoride Treatment
Often, at the end of a dental exam, your teeth are coated with a substance called fluoride . Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens our teeth and prevents cavities. It can come in the form of a gel, a foam, or a "paint" that you apply to your teeth. Sometimes it can be bubblegum-flavored or grape-flavored, which is a great option for little ones. This treatment only takes a few minutes. However, the doctor will tell you not to eat or drink anything for about 30 minutes after applying the fluoride. You have to follow that exactly.
Why are my teeth being X-rayed?
During some dental checkups, your dental hygienist may take several X-rays of your mouth. X- rays are a special type of imaging. These images can help find things that are hidden between your teeth, such as cavities and gum problems that we can't see.
Don't worry, the X-ray doesn't hurt at all , and it only takes a few seconds. The health care provider will put a small plastic piece inside your mouth and ask you to hold it in place. You just have to stay still for a while. You may hear a "buzz" sound while the picture is being taken.
The doctor will look at these X-rays to check for cavities. If they find that you have a cavity, you will need to come back to see the doctor on a different day to have it filled.
What do you do if you have a cavity? Do you also look at the bite?
As we mentioned earlier, if an X-ray or a routine check-up reveals that you have a cavity, your dentist will likely schedule an appointment to have it filled. Filling a cavity involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling the cavity with a special material. This stops the tooth from decaying further.
The doctor will also look at the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, or your bite . If there is a problem with this, for example, if your teeth are crooked or if your upper and lower jaws don’t meet properly, you may be referred to another specialist, an orthodontist . An orthodontist is someone who can straighten your teeth (such as putting in braces).
When the test is over?
After your dental exam, your doctor may give you a gift, such as a new toothbrush and dental floss, to use at home, and may also give you other tips on how to maintain your dental health.
So, you see, going to the dentist isn't that scary. It's all about protecting your teeth and giving you a beautiful smile.
Take-Home Message
Okay, so, wouldn't it be good for you to remember some of the most important things we talked about today?
- Get regular dental checkups: Visit your dentist at least once every six months to have your teeth checked. This can help you identify problems early and resolve them more easily.
- The dentist is your friend: he is there to help you. If you have any questions or doubts about your teeth, don't be afraid to ask.
- Clean your teeth well at home: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily. Do these things exactly as your doctor tells you.
- Don't be afraid: Don't be unnecessarily afraid of going to the dentist. It's a good investment in your health.
Remember, a beautiful, healthy smile is your most valuable asset. Your dentist will help you maintain it! So next time you go to the dentist, don't forget to smile!
` Dentist, dental checkup, teeth cleaning, fluoride, cavities, children's dental health, dental health
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න