Why we need regular dental check-ups?
Regular dental check-ups are an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It’s easy to delay your periodic dental check-up and clean due to work and family commitments. However, without regular check-ups, minor problems can quickly become major ones.
What happen during your dental check-up?
Regular dental check-ups involve a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and oral tissue. The dentist will take an x-ray of your mouth to check for issues that cannot be noticed by the naked eye. During the examination, your results will be compared to your last visit to identify any problematic changes. If any issues are found, the Dentist will discuss a treatment plan with you.
During your check-up the Dentist will investigate the following:
- Cavities: dental cavities (also known as tooth decay), are caused by a specific type of bacteria which destroys the tooths enamel. This bacterium builds up on the teeth in a sticky film called plaque.
- Gum Disease: gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth around the gum line.
- Abnormalities: the dentist will also check for other issues such as signs of oral cancer.
The Scale and Clean Process
Your dental check-up will also involve a scale and clean. Professional cleaning can prevent cavities, tarter build-up and gum disease and is an important part of oral hygiene. The Dentist will remove plaque and tarter from your teeth that could otherwise lead to cavities and gum disease. Even with daily cleaning, tarter builds up on teeth and needs to be removed using special equipment.
After your teeth have been cleaned, fluoride treatment is used to help strengthen your teeth against decay and repair the enamel on your teeth.
Does a check-up and clean hurt?
A Dental check-up and clean should not cause any pain to the patient. Due to advances in modern technology the check-up and clean process is relatively comfortable. Patients should not fear regular visits to the Dentist.
How often should you have your teeth checked?
It is recommended to have a dental check up every 6 months. This will ensure any minor issue is found before it turns into a major issue.
Related tag: Newcastle Family Dental
