Dental Exams Matter
A long-lasting smile and good overall oral health start with regular dental checkups! At Gentle Dental at our locations in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME, we pride ourselves on our friendly and professional staff, state-of-the-art equipment, and customer service. We know that some people dread going to the dentist, so our goal is to make each and every patient as comfortable as possible every time they come to see us at our office. We recommend that all of our patients come in every six months for a regular dental checkup and teeth cleaning because it’s the best way to monitor your oral health and correct any issues that may have arisen.
What Makes Dental Exams So Important?
You wouldn’t skip your physical with your doctor—your teeth deserve the same kind of attention. Dental exams are designed to catch small problems before they become big ones. A quick visit every six months can help you avoid painful conditions, tooth loss, and more complex (and expensive) dental treatments later on.
There’s also a strong link between oral health and overall wellness. Gum disease has been tied to heart disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. Missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing, changes in speech, and jawbone loss. Regular exams help prevent those outcomes with early, proactive care.
What to Expect During Your Dental Exam
At Gentle Dental, our twice-yearly checkups consist of a cleaning and preventative care of your teeth and mouth. A standard dental exam typically includes three parts: a professional cleaning, a comprehensive evaluation, and, if needed, dental X-rays. Here's how each part works:
- Professional Cleaning
Your appointment starts with a cleaning by one of our hygienists. Even if you brush and floss well, plaque can still harden into tartar, and that can only be removed with special tools. During your cleaning, we:- Remove plaque and tartar using a gentle scaling technique
- Polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile smooth
- Floss thoroughly to ensure nothing is left behind
- Think of it as a reset for your mouth—a fresh start every time you come in.
- Oral Examination
After the cleaning, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for:- Tooth decay and small cavities
- Gum inflammation or early signs of periodontal disease
- Changes in your bite or jaw alignment
- Any signs of oral cancer or soft tissue abnormalities
- Catching these issues early means treatment is simpler, less invasive, and more affordable.
- Dental X-Rays (If Needed)
Depending on your dental history and last set of images, we may recommend X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface. These images help us detect:- Cavities between teeth
- Bone loss around teeth or jaw
- Impacted teeth or developing issues
- Worried about radiation? Today’s digital X-rays use extremely low doses and are considered very safe.
Who Needs Dental Exams—and How Often?
Great dental health requires two components: excellent at-home oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Dental checkups provide you with preventative care for your teeth and mouth that’s impossible for you to do on your own. These checkups can spot early signs of issues with your oral health like cavities, decay, gum disease, and more. Our friendly and knowledgeable dentists will explain every step of the process to you, so you know exactly what’s going on during your appointment. Our dental offices are relaxed and judgment-free, so no matter what your dental history is like, you’ll find a home with us! We welcome patients of all ages because we pride ourselves on being a family dental practice!
For most patients, a checkup every six months is ideal. However, some people may benefit from more frequent visits, especially if they:
- Have a history of gum disease or tooth decay
- Are pregnant (hormonal changes can affect gum health)
- Live with diabetes or other health conditions that affect immunity
- Use tobacco, which increases risk of oral cancer and gum problems
Not sure where you fall? We’ll recommend a care schedule that fits your needs.
What About Kids? Do They Need Exams Too?
Absolutely. Children should have their first dental visit by age one, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. These early visits help us track development, offer guidance on habits, and build comfort in the dental setting.
We take a gentle, kid-friendly approach to pediatric dental exams so little ones feel safe and supported from the start.
Common Questions About Dental Exams
Do Dental Exams Hurt?
In most cases, dental exams are completely painless. If you’ve had a lot of tartar buildup, you might feel some mild discomfort during the cleaning—but it shouldn’t be painful. If you’re anxious, let us know. We’ll do everything we can to make the experience easier.Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
Yes. Modern X-rays use minimal radiation, and we always follow strict safety protocols. If you're pregnant or have concerns, let us know in advance so we can adjust as needed.
Preparing for Your Appointment
You don’t need to do much before your visit. Just bring a list of medications and be ready to discuss your medical history. If you have a health condition that might require pre-medication (like a heart issue or joint replacement), we’ll help guide you through that process when you schedule.
If you have any questions about regular dental checkups or any other dental service we provide, don’t hesitate to contact us! A member of our team would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you might have. With offices in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME we’re proud to be able to serve all of southern Maine! Give us a call at any of our offices, or fill out the contact form on our website. If you’re not yet a patient with us, fill out the new patient form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile
A healthy smile starts with showing up. At Gentle Dental, we’re here to make your routine care as simple and stress-free as possible. With friendly faces, modern technology, and a focus on prevention, we’ll help you maintain your oral health with confidence.
Ready to schedule your dental exam? Call us today or book online. Your future self—and your smile—will thank you.
