A regular dental check-up is of utmost necessity to keep your oral health in the best form. Dentists can check the oral health and give you instructions for what rules to follow to keep your mouth healthy. Regular dental visits can also help check for cavities, plaque and tartar on your teeth. The build-up of plaque leads to tartar which can cause oral diseases if not treated. A dental check-up includes the examination of your gums, tongue, face, throat, head and neck. You can prevent many issues with these regular dental examinations, including redness, swelling, gum diseases, and possible signs of cancer.
A] Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?
While you can be attentive to your oral health through regular flossing and cleaning of your teeth at home, including the limiting of sugar intake in your diet, these efforts are not enough. You need to visit a dentist twice a year (every six months) to maintain healthy teeth and for professional teeth cleaning with a thorough examination. There are many reasons why a regular dental visit is important for optimal oral health.
Some reasons how regular dental examinations can help maintain oral health are:
- Helps avoid serious dental issues: Dentists are trained and possess the equipment to know and spot “potential issue areas” in teeth and gums. Early signs of tooth decay can be treated as early as possible to prevent the formation of It also prevents the problem from evolving into an advanced periodontal disease that can require costly and invasive dental care.
- Thorough cleaning of the teeth: Since dentists and dental hygienists have the best professional tools to access every part of your mouth – even the areas that cannot be reached by brushing and flossing- they can help you to clean under the gum line, where tartar and bacteria are most likely to accumulate.
- Brushing/Flossing techniques: Your dentist’s office has dental hygienists who are essentially experts in flossing and brushing of teeth to maintain oral health. They can provide the best tips and tricks to keep your teeth healthy with at-home hygiene habits. They can also tell you which is the best and most effective toothbrushes, floss and even toothpaste for your teeth.
- Screening for oral cancer: With access to the advanced technology that can help in screening for oral cancer, dentists are also trained to understand the different signs, including spotting of lumps or white/red patches that can signal oral cancer.
Note: You have an increased risk of oral cancer if you regularly smoke or drink. In such cases, it is essential to schedule dentist appointments regularly.
- Structural problems and repairs: There is a risk of issues of malnutrition in case of chips, cracks, and gaps in between teeth which can cause difficulty in chewing Treatments such as dental implant to repair and restore the normal function of chewing or a dental bridge are recommended. This should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further oral health issues.
The above points are the reasons why it is necessary to schedule an appointment with the dentist every 6 months to maintain oral health and prevent issues with your teeth and gums.
B] Importance of Children Visiting the Dentist Regularly
Early childhood visits to a dentist can benefit the child as they learn good dental hygiene habits, which ensures healthy oral health throughout their life. There are many benefits of early dental visits, including tooth decay and dental pain prevention. Also, healthy teeth are known to keep the kids happier and improve their self-esteem.
- When should your child first visit the dentist?
It is recommended for parents to get the first dental check-up for their child scheduled as soon as their first tooth appears or at least by their first birthday. The frequency of dental visits will help boost confidence in the kid for future visits and help them maintain a routine.
- What are the benefits of dental visits for kids?
A healthy set of primary teeth is known to help the child with speech development, retaining nutrients, and chewing food. Tooth decay is one of the most common issues in children which can be prevented by regular dental visits and at-home practice of keeping your teeth healthy.
C] What Happens at a Dental Check-Up?
For a dental check-up, you need to first schedule an appointment.
- On the day of your appointment, a dental hygienist or certified dental assistant will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums. A dental check-up includes removal of plaque or tartar, teeth polishing, checking for cavities and cleaning of teeth. If you opt for a quick check-up, the dental hygienist will give a thorough examination to your gums, throat and neck, soft palette and will also check for any issues or abnormalities that need
- After the initial check-up, the dental hygienist will report to the dentist with your examination results which will help the dentist to provide the correct and best treatment in case of any dental issue.
- With every visit, a dental X-Ray is also taken to ensure that the teeth are perfectly healthy from within and any minor defects are treated to prevent tooth decay in the future.
D] Benefits of Regular Dental Appointments
It has been proven time & again that regular visits to the dentist are the first step needed to prevent any dental issues and maintain oral hygiene. It is necessary for everyone – children and adults alike – to have a regular dental check-up. As such, some of the benefits of regular dental check-ups are:
- Preventive Dentistry: The practice used to take care of your teeth and keep them healthy is called preventive dentistry. Dental cleaning and brushing daily are some forms of preventive dentistry which prevents cavities, gum diseases, enamel wear, and many other issues.
- Prevention of Gum Diseases: You can prevent the formation of any kind of gum disease by following the instructions to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing your teeth twice a day to remove food debris and trapped plaque between your teeth and gums can prevent any issues with your gums. The few other rules to follow to prevent gum diseases are flossing, using mouthwash, and seeing a periodontist regularly.
- Treat Bad Breath: It is vital to follow basic rules to maintain oral health, or else it can lead to bad breath. Brushing twice a day, flossing and replacing your toothbrush frequently are some ways to prevent and/or improve bad breath. Also, avoid food products that are a cause of bad breath like garlic and onion.
- Save Your Teeth and Money: Following dental hygiene rules and regular visits to the dentist can prove to be beneficial in keeping your teeth With good care towards your oral health and regular examinations, you can save your teeth from decaying and save money on costly dental treatments.
Regular dental check-ups can help you avoid many oral issues and are beneficial in the long run as they save your time & money while keeping you healthy. More importantly, good oral hygiene can help boost your self-confidence and provide you with peace of mind.
As a Sunshine Coast Dentist, we can help you maintain your oral health and provide the best dental care services, so book an appointment today.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should you visit the dentist?
It is recommended that you visit a dentist every 6 months to maintain healthy oral hygiene.
2. Do I need regular dental check-ups?
Yes, you do! Regular visits to the dentist can help detect dental issues at an early stage, making it easier to treat and prevent the issue from building further.
3. What happens if you don’t visit the dentist?
Not visiting a dentist regularly can cause a number of issues which include not only gum and tooth diseases but also other related issues such as heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and diabetes.
4. What’s the difference between a dental check-up and a dental exam?
A dental check-up is done by a dental hygienist. Whereas, the expertise of a dentist is needed in case of a dental exam as they have the training to recommend and treat your teeth and maintain oral hygiene.
5. What are some of the reasons to visit a dentist every six months?
With regular dental visits, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, thereby preventing complications, including tooth decay and gum diseases. Also, plaque build-up can cause discolouration of teeth which can be prevented with the annual dental check-up.
6. What should you do between each dental visit?
Some ways to maintain oral health between your dental visits are; brush at least twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride for strengthening your teeth and gums. Use floss and mouthwash to control bacteria build in your mouth. Using mouthwash also helps to keep your breath fresh. Also, check out this infographic to know about the best and worst foods for your teeth.
