Going to the dentist may not be your favourite thing, but as you must have heard countless times, it is necessary. Leaving problems untreated has nasty and often painful consequences. The twice a year dental check-up may sound unnecessary, but it helps avoid expensive treatments like root canals and gum disease. Routine dental attendance is associated with better oral health.
When it comes to dental health, anyone who has ever had to endure drilling will agree prevention is the best out of all remedies. So, let’s first get down to what a dental exam is.
Dental Examination
What happens during a dental exam?
During the examination, your dental professional will thoroughly assess the condition of your oral health. Your dentist will use a small-angled mirror attached to a metal probe to reach behind the teeth and gums and look for plaque or tartar buildup.
Plaque is a clear and sticky layer of bacteria that, if left unremoved, can harden and transform into tartar, leading to oral health problems such as cavities.
As part of the gum examination, the dental specialist uses a specialised tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums.
Healthy gums typically have shallow spaces, while gum disease may cause these spaces to become deeper.
The dental checkup should encompass a comprehensive examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck, too. This thorough examination aims to identify any potential signs of trouble such as swelling, redness, or indications of oral cancer.
Why Dental Checkups Are Important
A dental checkup is one of the best ways to protect your teeth. Having good oral hygiene includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing your teeth regularly, and visiting your dentist for checkups at least two times a year.
Prevent Gum Bleeding and Tooth Pain
Gum bleeding and tooth pain are two common problems that regular dental checkups prevent. If you brush your teeth and they start bleeding it is an indication that you might have inflammation which could lead to more serious gum issues such as gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Bacterial pockets develop beneath the gum line, gradually eroding teeth and even causing bone loss—which can eventually result in tooth loss.
Tooth pain is also an indication of cavities. If a cavity goes deeper into your teeth to the point of causing pain, your dental specialist will use more extensive treatments such as root canal procedures or tooth extraction.
Early Detection of Common Dental Issues
Timely intervention is very important when it comes to fixing dental problems. One of the many benefits of dental checkups is that dental professionals can address common dental issues at an early stage.
During these visits, your dental professional meticulously examines your teeth, gums, and oral tissues, looking for any signs of decay, cavities, gum disease, or other oral problems. By identifying these issues in their initial phases, prompt and appropriate treatment can be administered, preventing them from progressing into more severe conditions.
Get Valuable Advice
With a dental checkup, you receive valuable advice on preventive measures and oral hygiene techniques tailored to your needs.
Regular dental checkups empower you to take an active role in maintaining your oral health. By partnering with your dental professional, you can stay informed about the state of your teeth and gums, understand potential risk factors, and receive personalised advice tailored to your needs.
This proactive approach fosters a preventive mindset, reducing the chances of having serious dental problems in the future.
How often do you need to go in for a dental examination?
Majority of dental professionals recommend visiting your dentist for a routine exam every 6 months. However, some may not need to go so often, while others may need to go every 3 months depending on their dental health problems. The frequency may vary from 3 months to 2 years. On average, 6 months is a safe interval to ensure you are detecting oral health issues early.
Conclusion
Visiting the dentist should be a regular part of your schedule, just like a proper oral health routine. The benefits of check-ups far outweigh any minor inconveniences booking an appointment might cause.
It’s time to prioritise our oral health. If you haven’t seen your dentist in a while, use this article as a reminder and motivation to book an appointment today.
