Have you ever questioned the importance of dental checkups or put off scheduling a visit?
While it may be tempting to skip a visit now and then, regular dental checkups play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy mouth.
Here, we’ll look at the importance of seeing your dentist for checkups on a regular basis and answer some frequently asked questions.
Benefits Of Regular Dental Checkups
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- Prevent Tartar, Plaque, Tooth Decay, and Cavities
Even the most thorough individuals can fail to reach certain areas of the mouth while brushing. A good example? The back molars, a notoriously difficult area to clean. This makes dental checkups crucial for cleaning tartar off of hard-to-reach areas.
Dentists also check patients’ teeth for early signs of tooth decay. If white spots or small cavities are found on the teeth, a dentist will often recommend fluoride treatment to help fight against future decay. If larger cavities are found, they will be treated at a future appointment with dental fillings.
The dental professional will also perform a detailed tooth cleaning to rid the teeth of any plaque or tarter. This will protect the gums and teeth from harmful bacteria that can lead to decay.
Without these regular checkups, issues with tooth decay, bad breath, and periodontal disease can arise due to poor oral health.
- Prevent Gum Disease
In general, there are no symptoms during the early stages of gum disease. Fortunately, dentists are trained in identifying these early stages of gum disease.
If a dentist detects signs of gum disease, they will treat the underlying cause and prevent symptoms from worsening.
With early intervention and proper oral habits, early gum disease can be successfully treated. Your dental professional can guide you in properly caring for your teeth and gums and preventing or improving gum disease.
If it is not recognised early or goes untreated, gum disease can lead to:
- Inflammation
- Damage to the jawbone
- Loss of teeth
- Prevent Tartar, Plaque, Tooth Decay, and Cavities
- Detect Other Health Issues
Your oral health can be a sign of your overall health. During routine dental checkups, dentists examine the neck, jaws, and lymph nodes for lumps, deformities, swelling, and other signs of illness.
In addition to examining the teeth and the gums, dentists use checkups to check for signs of oral cancer using. In only a minute or two, a dentist can perform a painless exam to detect oral cancer.
With this exam, an individual who visits the dentist at least every six months has minimal chance of developing late-stage oral cancer.
If a particular health issue is detected during a checkup, your dentist will refer you to the appropriate medical professional.
- Keep Your Smile Looking Beautiful
Want a bright, white smile? Teeth cleaning, an integral part of dental checkups, helps get rid of staining and debris on teeth, helping to keep your smile glistening and healthy.
- Save Money In The Long Run
Routine dental checkups are more affordable than treating dental disease once it has set in. Therefore, avoiding regular dental checkups may lead to costly oral health issues in the future that require invasive treatments and possibly even hospitalisation.
What Should I Expect At A Dental Checkup?
When you go to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning, your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and overall health of your mouth.
In general, a check-up and clean will include:
- Thorough cleaning of the teeth to remove stains, tartar, and plaque
- X-rays, if needed
- Fluoride application, if needed, to help protect against tooth decay
- An assessment to determine if further treatment is needed
After your check-up and cleaning, your dentist may provide recommendations to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Suggestions may include changes to your diet, flossing or brushing techniques, or other tips.
Alternatively, your dentist may refer you to a specialist such as an Orthodontist or Oral Surgeon if specialised treatment.
How Long Does A Routine Dental Checkup Last?
Depending on the treatment required, dental checkups typically take between 30 minutes and an hour.
How Often Should I See My Dentist For Check-Ups?
It is recommended to see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning to stay on top of your oral health.
Are You In Need of a Dental Checkup?
Regular dental checkups are your first line of protection against oral health problems. 123 Dental has been providing quality family dental services in West Leederville for over 30 years and would be happy to help you take control of your oral health.
Please feel free to contact our friendly team to set up an appointment or ask any questions.
