Many people skip going to the dentist because they are under the impression that their oral health is excellent and that they have no underlying issues, and this may well be the case. It is also true that regular brushing and flossing of the teeth will most certainly help with your oral hygiene. However, this does not cure any underlying issues that can be detected with regular visits to your dentist.
This article will discuss the importance of visiting your dentist regularly, the potential benefits, and why avoiding the dentist can have serious and expensive consequences for your oral and general health.
What To Expect From A Visit?
Most dental visits should follow a fairly similar format. A typical checkup should consist of an examination of your teeth, mouth, gums, and general oral health. This should also be backed up with questions to better understand your personal situation. Common questions might include how often and how long you clean your teeth, whether you floss, and if there are any pain points.
- Review Of Past History: The dentist should examine your past history. If you are new to a practice, your records should be sent to your examining dental practice before your appointment.
- Professional Dental Examination: As outlined above, this should include reviewing your dental history and an examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums.
- Cleaning: The cleaning process can include flossing, scaling, cleaning with a high-powered toothbrush, and sometimes fluoride treatment.
- Oral Advice: Typically, you should be provided with personal advice specific to your needs, this should include cleaning techniques, foods not to consume and any specific concerns they might have.
- Potential Xrays: X-rays are not usually required for every visit. However, for new patients, they can provide a good understanding of a new patient's general health.
- Address Any Concerns: The dentist will address any concerns they have found, but this is also a great opportunity for you to address any issues you might have. You have paid for the appointment, so make full use of it. Note down questions beforehand so that you don't forget.
- Scheduled Next Visit: After you complete your visit, the dentist should recommend a time for your next visit. The timing will often depend on the patient's overall oral health.
There are numerous benefits associated with regular checkups. Below, we have listed some of the main ones:
Early Detection Of Issues
Regular checkups will undoubtedly help with the early detection of dental-related issues. By attending the dentist on a regular basis, you are taking a proactive approach to helping maintain improved oral health. Some of the problem areas often discovered include cavity detection, gum issues and disease, signs of tooth ware and general oral health issues.
Preventative Care
Due to early detection and regular monitoring, potential issues are often spotted early and can be dealt with before manifesting. In addition, preventative treatments, such as cleaning and sealants, can be administered to help stop issues from developing. Early detection can also allow for work to be completed before serious complications such as infections, disease, or pain occur. Such corrective work could include crowns and bridges.
How Often Should I Visit?
There is no exact rule, as we all have differing oral health. It is generally accepted and advised by the NHS to visit every six months, or up to a year, with good oral health. However, children are advised to visit every six months. The best recommendation you can get is from your dentist. As we know from experience, some patients are more susceptible to dental health issues and need checking more frequently.
Save Money In The Long Term
Although visiting a dentist for a checkup is an expense, this can be far cheaper if oral issues are left unchecked, become problematic and require extensive work. We have had numerous patients come to us for their first visits after not seeing a dentist for years. As a result, they require several visits with complex procedures to correct issues that could have been easily avoidable.
Scared To Visit A Dentist
Many people suffer from dental anxiety, at Kew Road Dental, we have created an article dedicated to this area to help you overcome your fears and deal with any concerns you might have. Feel free to contact one of our highly experienced dentists with any further concerns or questions regarding dental anxiety.
Summary
As a dental practice with decades of combined experience, we can't stress enough the importance of regular dental checkups for maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. If you visit a dentist regularly, it will allow issues to be detected and treated early, often before you notice a problem, potentially stopping complex and costly treatments later on. During a typical checkup, we'll review your dental history, perform a thorough examination, professionally clean your teeth, and provide personalised oral health advice. While no one likes being informed they need to have an X-ray or schedule their next visit, these steps are important in ensuring you maintain excellent oral health.