You take good care of your smile, right? But then, you take good care of your home, too. And yet, once or twice a year you pull out all the stops and clean every nook and cranny.

That's what your Michigan Dental Association dentist will do for your teeth during your annual check-up. Next to regular brushing and flossing, a regular check-up is the most important thing you can do to keep your smile in tip-top shape. You see, check-ups aren't about cavities - they're about prevention.

Here's what your dentist will look for during an exam - after updating your medical history:

• The health of your entire mouth and the surrounding soft tissues;
• Signs of gum disease;
• Tooth decay;
• Checking for pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions;
• Oral sores or irritations to gum tissue;
• Fit of dentures or bridges;
• Proper bite;
• Signs of other diseases or medical conditions that may first appear in the mouth.

So, get yourself to your dentist twice a year and get those nooks and crannies spic and span. Your smile will thank you.

You take good care of your smile, right? But then, you take good care of your home, too. And yet, once or twice a year you pull out all the stops and clean every nook and cranny.

That's what your Michigan Dental Association dentist will do for your teeth during your annual check-up. Next to regular brushing and flossing, a regular check-up is the most important thing you can do to keep your smile in tip-top shape. You see, check-ups aren't about cavities - they're about prevention.

Here's what your dentist will look for during an exam - after updating your medical history:

• The health of your entire mouth and the surrounding soft tissues;
• Signs of gum disease;
• Tooth decay;
• Checking for pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions;
• Oral sores or irritations to gum tissue;
• Fit of dentures or bridges;
• Proper bite;
• Signs of other diseases or medical conditions that may first appear in the mouth.

So, get yourself to your dentist twice a year and get those nooks and crannies spic and span. Your smile will thank you.