The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups

Why are regular dental check ups important?

Be honest. When was the last time you went to see a dental professional for a check-up?

Not because you were in pain or had a specific problem but just for a regular dental check?

If you can’t remember, then chances are you have not been recently enough.

Good dental health is so much more than just brushing your teeth twice a day, and preventative dental care is crucial.

Still not convinced that dental check ups are necessary?

Keep reading to find out more about why regular dental check ups are so important. Plus, our top tips on how to practice good oral hygiene.

What happens at a dental checkup?

If you don’t visit your dentist often enough because you don’t know what to expect, then it can be a good idea to find out exactly what will happen when you book a dental visit.

A dental check-up is a very straightforward process that typically includes the following:

• A dental exam of your teeth, gums, and mouth. This may include an x-ray of your mouth and gum line to check for cavities between your teeth and other issues such as damage to the jawbone, impacted teeth, tooth decay, or abscesses.
• Questions about your medical history, general health, and any dental issues you have experienced recently.
• Advice on your diet, smoking, alcohol use, and your teeth cleaning
• Discussion about any dental treatments you need.
• Discussion on booking your next check-up.

Some dentists will also clean your teeth while you are there to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar, whereas others may advise you to make an appointment with a dental hygienist.

How often do you need to visit the dentist?

The general assumption is that you should visit your dentist once every six months, both for a check up and for teeth cleaning with a hygienist. However, this is not the case for everyone.

If you have not been to the dentist in a long time, then you should look for local dental services as soon as possible, as you may have dental issues that you are not aware of.

Once you have had a check-up, your dentist should recommend a date for your next visit. This could be in as little as three months or up to a year if you have good oral health.

Some people who fall into high-risk groups will need to visit the dentist more often. These include:

• Smokers
• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• People with gum disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who are prone to cavities and/or plaque build-up

Why are dental visits important?

As mentioned earlier, going to the dentist is not just about fixing dental problems. It is also about preventing them. Even if you aren’t in any pain or you cannot see any visible issues in your mouth, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any hiding in your gums.

By visiting the dentist regularly, you can find out about any potential problems such as onset gum disease and dental decay before they become serious. Your dentist will also check for mouth cancer at each check-up, as well as any lumps in your head or neck.

You should also have your teeth and jaw bone x-rayed, which allows dental professionals to see what is happening beneath the surface of your mouth. This can help to diagnose dental issues that cannot be seen by the naked eye, such as impacted teeth, bone decay, cysts, and tumors.

Suppose there is a specific dental treatment that you want more information about such as teeth whitening or veneers. In that case, it is much better to speak directly to your dentist rather than turn to the Internet for advice that may be inaccurate. Your dentist will be able to make the best recommendations based on your medical history and current oral health. They will also be able to advise on what dental treatments are covered by insurance and which ones you will have to fund yourself.

Finally, a dentist will talk to you about your lifestyle and any changes you can make to improve your dental health and your overall wellbeing. This may include giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and consuming less sugar.

By visiting your dentist regularly, you can build up a good relationship that ensures you feel safe and comfortable during each visit.

What should you do between dental visits?

Equally as important as visiting the dentist regularly, you also need to make sure that you take care of your teeth and gums in between check-ups.

Plaque is constantly forming on your teeth, so you need to ensure that you are removing this by regularly brushing and flossing.

See our top tips for taking care of your teeth and gums below:

• Brush your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
• Floss daily
• Use a mouthwash to help control plaque and bacteria in your mouth
• Limit your intake of high sugar foods and drinks
• Not smoking

So, are regular dental check-ups worth the effort?

Yes, they most definitely are. Dentists are not only there to fix your teeth. They can help to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy. They can show you how to properly clean your teeth and gums. They can detect serious problems such as mouth cancer. They can also help to correct any habits such as teeth grinding, which may be sabotaging your oral health.

While you may think that canceling or skipping your visits to the dentist is not a big deal, oral health problems can develop and progress very quickly. However, you can keep on top of dental cleaning and prevent future dental issues by going to the dentist when recommended.

Are you looking for a reliable and friendly dentist in Ashville? Here at Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry, we are committed to patient oral care and offer a relaxed and welcoming environment for all the family.