How long has it been since your last dental check up? Whether you like visiting the dentist or not, visiting a dentist every six months is important. 

Most people understand the importance of brushing their teeth and flossing daily, but many don’t realise the importance of regular dental check ups. 

So why are these twice yearly visits to the dentist important? Why can’t you just keep cleaning your teeth daily? Tooth cleaning is important, but it’s not the only step in keeping your teeth healthy. A dental check up can include a variety of tests and screenings to help identify any problems that may need to be addressed.

Why Are Regular Dental Check Ups Important?

Starting from young children, regular dental check ups are important to keep on top of oral health, and to minimise the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Getting your children into the dentist while they are young can set them up with good habits for life. 

Here are three great reasons why you should visit the dentist regularly. 

  1. Dental checks allow your dentist to catch any problems early. For example, if they notice a cavity starting, they can treat it before it gets worse and causes pain and other problems. 
  2. These check ups also allow your dentists to identify things that may become problems in the future and put a plan for treatment in place. For example, your dentist will be able to identify early signs of gum disease, and provide treatment that prevents it from getting worse and causing further issues. 
  3. Regular dental checks are better for your overall health in the long run and they can save you money and time in the future. These checks will give you peace of mind knowing that your teeth and gums are healthy. 

Are You Worried About Visiting the Dentist?

Are you scared of visiting the dentist?  If so, don’t be! A dental check up can actually be a really fun experience, and it’s important to remember that you’re in good hands with your dentist. In fact, most people who go to the dentist report feeling very satisfied with the visit.

So what does a dental check up involve? Generally, it starts by verifying that you have all of your teeth (by checking for cavities and other problems). Afterwards, your dentist will usually perform a teeth cleaning (to remove plaque and bacteria buildup), and may also do some x-rays or other tests as needed.

If you do have dentophobia (a fear of the dentist), make sure you speak to the receptionist when booking so that the dental team can be prepared for your visit. Visiting the dentist regularly will help you with your fear, but in the meantime, practise some breathing techniques, ask the dentist to explain what they are going to do prior to doing it, and if needed, take along a trusted friend or family member who can hold your hand. 

What Are the Signs of Dental Issues?

There are some really important signs that you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your oral health. The main signs to look out for to know whether your gums and teeth need urgent attention include:

  • Persistent bad breath
  • Ulcers, sores and tender issues that don’t heal within a fortnight
  • Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing and flossing
  • Pain or toothache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that you haven’t had before
  • Loose teeth
  • General pain in the gums and jaw when eating
  • Cracked and broken teeth

These are just some of the many issues that could signify bigger issues within your oral health. And it’s not just “bad” things that can cause these issues. Wisdom teeth needing attention can also cause some major pain within your mouth, and should be attended to quickly. 

How Are Dental and Oral Diseases Diagnosed?

You may be wondering what your dentist is doing when they are checking your teeth and gums. 

One of the first things dentists will do is to check and examine the following:

  • teeth
  • mouth
  • throat
  • tongue
  • cheeks
  • jaw
  • neck

They may tap or scrape at your teeth, order x rays or measure your gum pockets. Essentially, they are on the lookout for abnormal lumps, lesions or growths in your mouth, as well as cavities, and cracked or broken teeth. 

If you’re overdue for your dental check-up, don’t wait! Many problems can be corrected before they become major.The average visit only takes about an hour and a half (but some patients may need more time than that). We’ll tell you how long the visit will take ahead of time so you can plan your day. For the cost of your health, three hours a year at the dentist is well worth it. 

Book your next dental check up and keep on top of your oral health with Road Dental.