Going to the dentist when your tooth starts to ache is not the way to care for your teeth. What happens at a dental checkup paves the way for corrective measures that will ensure your teeth last for a long time. When you go for a dental checkup, the dentist will evaluate if you need fillings, a brace, or a tooth  restoration. The dentist will also check for gum disease and bite or jaw problems. Sometimes, all you’ll need is a prophylaxis if you’ve been going to your dentist on regular basis. If not, the dentist may want to take X-rays to see behind the gums as cavities may have rotted your teeth beyond repair.

The dentist should also talk to you about your current health. This will help him or her determine if any conditions or medications are contributing to the degradation of your dental health. For example, diabetes …