Why is it so important to see the dentist regularly?
While we might think our lives are simply too busy to pop into the dentist every six months, slacking off on your dental care may lead to painful conditions going undetected resulting in more hours in the dentist’s chair at a later stage.
Dentists focus primarily on corrective processes, fixing problems as they occur. These days, much of a dentist’s job is to try and prevent potentially painful issues, such as cavities and gum disease, treating them while they are still manageable.
For most people, a periodic dental check-up twice a year is sufficient to keep on top of their oral health. There are some, however, that benefit from more frequent visits, particularly those in the following high-risk categories:
Teeth that bite back
If any of the following categories apply to you, you’re considered to be a high risk from developing a painful oral condition, and it is recommended that you visit the dentist every three to four months to reduce the possibility of common dental problems:
- Smokers: Smoking cigarettes can cause discolouration to your teeth, bad breath and increases the probably of gum disease.
- Pregnant women: For some pregnant women, it’s not swollen ankles that’s the problem but swollen gums which can lead to periodontal disease. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to gingivitis (mild gum disease) and the development of cavities.
- People with diabetes: If you’ve been diagnosed as a diabetic, it’s important to stay on top of your oral health as diabetes increases the risk of gum disease.
- People with pre-existing conditions: If you already have gum disease or if you’ve been told your immune system is not effective against infection, your dentist can help you manage the problem, but only if you commit to a periodic dental check-up regime. The same applies for those who have problems with excess plaque build-up and cavities.
Long in the tooth
Give your dentist a helping hand by making an appointment with Aperture Dental. In terms of maintaining your oral health, brushing twice a day just isn’t going to cut it. A routine appointment with the dentist usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour and involves a two-step process:
Examination
The first phase of any dental check-up is the examination of your teeth and gums. During this process, the dentist will check for cavities, bacteria and the build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth. It’s as harmless as it is painless but also extremely effective in preventing further complications and conditions. For example, tartar can’t be removed simply by brushing and flossing your teeth, and, if it’s allowed to accumulate, can lead to oral diseases. Your dentist will also check your gums for any irregularities that may indicate the onset of gum disease. The dentist doesn’t just look inside your mouth for clues, but checks your jaw, neck, tongue and head for any inflammation or indications of cancer.
Cleaning
Once you’ve been given a thorough once-over, your dentist will give your teeth a little spa treatment, starting off with scaling, which is done to remove tartar. In many instances, this will be followed up with a polishing and then the final flossing stage. By using specialist equipment, oral hygiene experts can achieve a much higher standard of oral cleanliness than your toothbrush can accomplish.
When was your last check-up and clean?
Even if you have a strict regime of brushing and flossing at home, you can’t achieve the same results as a professional, so why not book your periodic dental check-up with Aperture Dental today and give yourself something to smile about.
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