The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Having to go to the dentist every six months may not be the most exciting appointment, but it is one of the most crucial ones to keep. If you’ve ever wondered what the point of having regular dental checkups and cleanings is, we’ve got something for you to consider.
If you are thinking about skipping a dental checkup due to expense or another consideration, such as time or dental phobia, make sure to weigh all of the hazards. What you may wind up paying in the long run for not visiting your dentist is likely to be far more financially and in terms of your peace of mind. Here are some of the most significant reasons to visit your dentist regularly.
What happens during your dental visit?
A regular dental checkup consists of two parts: the checkup, or examination, and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis.
Cavities will be checked for during your dental examination. To examine cavities between your teeth, X-rays may be taken. The inspection will also include a look at your teeth for plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky, transparent film of microorganisms. It can harden and form tartar if not removed. Brushing and flossing will not eradicate tartar. Tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth can lead to oral problems.
Next, your gums will be examined. A specific equipment will measure the depth of the gaps between your teeth and gums. The crevices between healthy gums are shallow. Gum disease might deepen the spaces.
A detailed examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck should also be included. This is to make sure of any indicators of problems, such as swelling, redness, or malignancy.
During your session, your teeth will also be cleaned. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from your teeth, but they do not remove tartar. Your dental professional will use special equipment to eliminate tartar during the cleaning. This is known as scaling.
After scaling your teeth, they may be polished. Typically, a grainy paste is utilized for this. It aids in the removal of surface stains on your teeth. Flossing is the final stage. Your dental professional will use floss to clean the spaces between your teeth.
Importance of Regular CheckupsCheckups and Cleaning
Prevent the formation of plaque, tartar, cavities, and tooth decay.
Even the most conscientious person can overlook cleaning the hard-to-reach areas of their mouth. Examples are rear molars, which are notoriously difficult to clean. That is why everyone should visit the dentist every six months.
The dentist will check your teeth for any signs of early tooth decay. If the dentist discovers little cavities or white spots on the teeth, the patient will be started on fluoride treatment to reverse the decay, and larger cavities will be treated with dental fillings.
The dentist will also then clean the teeth and gums with a professional tooth cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar. This will protect the teeth and gums from dangerous bacteria that live in plaque and tartar.
Prevents Gum Disease
Most of the time, the early stages of gum disease have no symptoms. This makes it difficult to identify gum disease in a person’s mouth. Fortunately, dentists are equipped to detect gum disease even when it is trying to conceal.
The dentist will assess the gums for firmness during a normal visit. Swelling, receding gums, and deep gum pockets will be examined. The underlying reason will be treated if the dentist discovers any of these concerning symptoms.
Early gum disease usually disappears when a patient improves their dental habits, and a dentist will gladly advise their patient on how to care for their gums.
Controlling bad habits
There are several unhealthy behaviours that can harm your dental health, some of which you may be unaware of. Examples of these behaviors are chewing ice, clenching your jaw, biting your nails, grinding your teeth, eating particularly sticky or hard sweets, cleaning your teeth too hard, drinking coffee and red wine, and smoking.
When you get regular dental checkups, your dentist may look for any oral damage caused by these or other behaviors that you would not have seen otherwise. Knowing about certain detrimental habits helps you to adjust or alter your lifestyle choices to avoid additional harm. Visiting the dentist helps you to repair previous damage and improve your dental health.
Early detection of problems
With simply a mirror, you can see how your teeth look, but behind your gums, a lot might be going on without you ever realizing it. Dentists can not only fix issues but also prevent them. Potential issues they can detect include the beginning of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your dental health, it is critical that you be proactive and see your dentist on a regular basis so that they can detect any abnormalities before they become a problem.
Takeaway
In this article about oral health and regular checkups, we went through the necessity of regular dental checkups and cleanings. These checkups are the foundations of a brilliant smile, protecting you from dental threats and safeguarding your oral masterpiece. But where should you put your priceless smile on these important journeys? Look no further than Singapore’s Meiplus Dentalcare.
Meiplus Dentalcare is your partner on the way to dental health. It is not just a dental clinic; it is your friendly companion on the route to superior dental health. With a dedicated a staff, we provide a broad range of dental services suited to your specific requirements.