Why Your Dental Check-Up is Important
Regular 6 monthly dental check-ups are an important part of preventive health care. A dental check-up allows your dentist to monitor your oral health and detect any signs of decay or disease. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about your teeth, gums, or overall oral health.
What to Expect At Your Dental Check-up
X-Rays
X-rays are an important part of any dental check-up. X-rays can help to detect any underlying issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities, impacted teeth, and even tumours. Additionally, x-rays allow dentists to detect any problems with the jawbone or other areas that might be difficult to diagnose without taking an x-ray.
For healthy adults who have no existing dental problems, it is recommended to get a full set of x-rays every 2 years.
Cleaning and Polishing
During a dental check up, your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums, once the gums have been assessed they will recommend seeing a hygienist to carry out a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth. Cleaning and polishing remove plaque and tartar build-up that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to have regular cleanings and polishing done in order to keep your mouth healthy.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of any dental check-up. During a screening, the dentist will examine the mouth for signs of cancerous or precancerous cells. This includes looking at the lips, tongue, inside of the cheeks, and throat. The dentist may also feel the neck and jaw for lumps or suspicious areas. They may use a special light to look more closely at any potential problems.
Cavity Detection
Cavities occur when bacteria in the mouth create acids that break down tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can cause serious damage to the health of your teeth and gums. Regular check-ups will detect tooth decay as soon as possible so it can be treated with a simple filling. If left for too long the tooth may require more extensive work or even result in the loss of that tooth.
Condition of Existing Dental Work
When it comes to knowing how often you should have a dental check up, it is important to consider the condition of your existing dental work. If you have had extensive work done in the past such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, then it is best to maintain regular visits with your dentist. Depending on the type of dental work that was done and your oral health history, your dentist may recommend that you come in for an appointment every three to six months.
Assessment of Gum Health
During a dental check-up, your dentist will use special tools to measure the depth of the pocket between your teeth and gums. This is used to assess the level of inflammation present in your gums. If there are signs of gum disease present, such as swelling or bleeding during brushing, it might be necessary to have more frequent visits in order to monitor and manage this condition.
