Visiting the Dentist
A cavity does not go away by itself; a dentist has to repair it. A dentist removes the decay that caused the cavity so it can’t spread any more,and uses a filling material to cover up the hole in your tooth. This is called a filling. The faster you get to the dentist after getting a cavity, the easier it is to get a filling. This is why going in for regular check-ups is important.
Going to the dentist can seem scary because there are so many weird things inside his office and in the exam room. To help you feel safer about going to the dentist read up on some of the items a dentist will use for check-ups.
Special Chair
This is the chair most people sit in when going to see a dentist. It has special levers that enable the dentist to move it up and down. The doctor can then adjust it slowly to better see into your mouth. Because of this, you don’t have to sit in awkward positions during your visit.
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Cleanings
You should get your teeth checked out and cleaned every six months. The teeth cleaning your dental hygienist does has the same benefits as brushing and flossing, but is more thorough. Brushing and flossing targets immediate plaque build up. But you can’t always clean all the plaque all the time. When plaque gets harder and bonds to your teeth, it’s called tartar. When dental hygienists do a cleaning, they remove all the plaque and tartar from your teeth, giving you a healthy smile.
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Mirror
This device allows the dentist to see all your teeth. The mirror is attached at the end of a stick and is at a 45-degree angle. It shows an image of your teeth to the dentist. It comes in really handy when trying to look at the underside of your top set of teeth. It also helps with spotting cavities (which you won’t have hopefully).
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‘Feeler’ tool
This is a really simple tool to help the dentist count all of your teeth. This is really important when all of your teeth are still growing in and every time you go to the dentist you could have a different number.
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Bib Protection
Usually it’s blue and kind of looks like a paper towel. The dentist or a dental assistant will place it across the front of your clothes to help protect your clothing and skin from what could very well be your drool.
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Hose
There are going to be several different hoses. The two most important functions that the hoses can be used for are spraying water into your mouth and vacuuming up all the excess water while the doctor is working. Both of them are completely safe and you can ask your dentist to see how they work before he uses them if you get scared.
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X-Rays
The X-ray machine at a dentist’s office is much like the one used at a doctor’s office. With dental X-rays, the film is put directly in your mouth, behind the tooth to be X-rayed. This can get a little uncomfortable, but it helps the dentist see how your teeth are growing in and how healthy your teeth are on the inside.
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College student writer