5 Reasons Dental Check-Ups Are Vital
How often are you getting your regular dental check-up?
At Mermaid Smiles, we recommended that you come in every 6 months for your regular check-up.
We all know dental check-ups aren’t the most exciting appointments. A lot of the time, people are deterred from seeing their dentist because of the cost. If you skip your regular dental check-up, you might find yourself paying more in the long run. There are a number of benefits in regular check-ups.
5 Benefits of Regular Dental Check-Ups:
- Prevent Plaque, Tartar, Cavities & Reduce Bad Breath
Dental Check-ups can prevent plaque build-up, tartar build-up, cavities, and tooth decay. Plaque and tartar build-up can lead to gum disease, which can cause the breakdown of the bone that holds your teeth together, putting you at high risk of tooth loss.
Regular check-ups keep our teeth looking healthy and clean. During your check-up, the dentist will clean your teeth, removing any stains created from the many foods and drinks we may indulge in, including coffee, wines, teas, soda, just to name a few! I mean who doesn’t love a bright, white smile?!
Another bonus is fresh breath. Regular check-ups can prevent and remove any bacteria that has built up in your mouth.
2. Money Saver
We know up-front spending on a dental check-up can seem like a lot of money, especially when you don’t feel like you need it. You often won’t notice anything until it’s too late, and then you find yourself spending a lot more to fix the problem(s).
Catching cavities early on can be a very simple treatment but can save you money in the long run!
3. Checking for Oral Cancer
Cancer can be life threatening, especially if it’s not treated early. Regular check-ups can significantly decrease your chances of oral cancer. Dentists are able to detect any irregularities or lumps that you might not have even noticed and will then refer you to go see a specialist. It could possibly save your life.
4. Overall Health and Wellbeing
According to a study at the University of California Berkley, women can actually reduce the risk of heart attacks by 33% with regular dental check-ups. It has shown that inflammation caused by periodontal disease (gum disease) can lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
5. A Better Night’s Sleep
Are you experiencing teeth grinding while you sleep? Grinding your teeth can actually be a cause of sleep apnoea. Your dentist might be able to notice damaged caused by teeth grinding and recommend a night guard to protect the health of your teeth. If your case is severe enough, your dentist can also refer you to a specialist.
What to expect during your dental check-up?
During the check-up, one of our experienced and friendly dentists will be able to help you and your family reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease and other common ailments.
Gentle Scale and Cleans: if your teeth and gums are relatively healthy, we recommend booking a scale and clean at least twice per year. During your visit, we’ll remove any build-up formed since your last check-up and polish away any surface stain. We’ll also show you ways to clean hard-to-reach areas more effectively.
Comprehensive Exams: Evaluating your teeth, gums and existing dental work from one visit to the next ensures that any changes or irregularities are spotted as soon as possible (meaning smaller and less-invasive treatments to repair them).
Diagnostic Imaging: Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras allow us to look deeper into your smile, to see what’s not visible during an exam. We share these images with you, so that you can co-plan your care alongside of us. Plus, today’s digital X-rays are safer than ever, with over 90% less radiation than conventional radiographs.
Oral Cancer Screenings: Known as the “silent killer”, oral cancer is a dangerous condition that affects thousands of people each year. Risk factors include everything from sun exposure and certain viruses to alcohol or tobacco use. If you have a small lesion or sore that doesn’t heal and looks different from the rest of the tissues inside of your mouth, let us know as quickly as possible.
Gum Disease Evaluations: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. Symptoms range from swollen gums to bleeding when you brush and floss. During your check-up, we’ll carefully measure the level at which your gums attach to the teeth, to identify early signs of bone resorption.
One of the main causes of cavities and gum disease is tartar build up, which can only be removed by professionals. This is another reason why a regular dental check-up is so vital. After the teeth cleaning has been completed, your dentist will then polish your teeth and apply a protective coating.
Dental check-ups are normally pain free but certain complications can cause a little sensitivity. This includes inflamed gums and tooth decay. Your dentist may take some x-rays to check for cavities, tooth decay, and cracking of any teeth. They will have a look at the results and go through any recommendations they might have, any concerns they may have, and a course of action if treatment is necessary.
When was your last check-up?
Staying on top of your check-ups will ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong now and in the future.
Make an appointment with our friendly team today!
Recent Comments