When did you last visit your dentist for a routine check-up and clean?
By admin
When did you last visit your dentist for a routine check-up and clean?
Here’s why it’s important to stay on track with your oral health…
Why should I go for a check-up?
Poor oral health has far-reaching consequences that go well beyond affecting just your smile. There is a strong link between oral health and overall wellness — in fact, advanced gum disease (known as periodontitis) has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including respiratory issues, heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
The good news, however, is that gum disease in its early stage (known as gingivitis) can be treated to prevent further damage. Regular check-ups ensure that any issues are identified early and can be resolved before it’s too late. Any other oral issues can be diagnosed at your check-up — early diagnosis often saves you considerable time and money in the long term, as problems can be treated before they become severe.
What does a dental check-up involve?
During your check-up, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums and check to see if there are any abnormalities. Potential issues may include swelling in the gums, mouth sores, redness, and softening of the tooth enamel and dentine. Your dentist will also measure the periodontal pockets inside your mouth — the spaces between the top of the gum line and area where the gum tissue attaches to the tooth. Deep periodontal pockets may be a sign of gum disease, in which case treatment may be required.
Dental x-rays will be used to determine whether there are any issues below the surface, including the roots of your teeth and the jaw bones. If your dentist is able to see any issues, such as decay, leaking fillings, possible tooth fractures, bone loss, or other abnormalities, a treatment plan will be formulated.
How often should I go for a check-up?
It is generally a good idea to go for a dental check-up every six months. This ensures that any issues can be diagnosed and treated early, which helps to minimise complications later on. Dr Bartalotta and Dr Hand will advise if you should come in more, or in some cases less frequently.
What is a professional clean?
A professional clean involves the removal of tartar and plaque above and below the gum line. This helps to get rid of unwanted bacteria, helping to prevent bone loss and decay. A professional clean can also help to brighten your smile by removing stains left by dark food and drinks, like coffee and red wine, and is also a great way to prevent bad breath.
It’s a good idea to get your teeth cleaned at each check-up every six months. While good oral hygiene at home is essential, it is not always possible to clean your teeth yourself as thoroughly as necessary.
How can I maintain oral health at home?
While it’s important to visit us for a check-up and clean regularly, it’s also crucial to maintain a healthy regime at home. Brush your teeth twice a day to ensure that you remove any plaque that has accumulated throughout the day. This can go a long way in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.
Be sure to floss your teeth every day, as this helps to get rid of food debris from between your teeth and helps to prevent gum disease. You should ideally floss your teeth at night before you go to bed as your teeth are more at risk while you sleep, because the body produces less protective saliva.
Is it time for your next check-up? Contact us today to arrange an appointment.
