A regular dental check-up is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
A regular dental check-up usually includes:
- Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
- An examination of your teeth and gums by the dentist.
- X-rays, if needed.
During your regular dental check-up, your dentist will also:
- Check for signs of tooth decay or other problems.
- Look for changes in your teeth and gums that may signify oral cancer.
- Ask about your medical history and any medications that could affect your oral health.
- Give you tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home.
Reasons to have a regular dental check-up
1) To prevent tooth decay
Tooth decay is the most common reason for people to see the dentist. A regular dental check with the nearest dentist will help to prevent tooth decay. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film of food, bacteria, and saliva. Tartar is hardened plaque that has not been removed. The dentist will also check for signs of tooth decay and fill cavities if needed.
It is important to start your trips to the dentist early in life to practice a lifelong of good dental habits. For help getting your kids started on forming these habits early, the resource below can be of great help.
Provided by Cosmedent – dental continuing education
2) To prevent gum disease
Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It can damage the gums, teeth, and bone. Gum disease is caused by plaque that is not removed from teeth. A regular dental check-up can help to prevent gum disease. The dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The dentist will also check for signs of gum disease and treat it if needed.
3) To prevent oral cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, tongue, or throat. Oral cancer is more common in people who use tobacco products. A regular dental check-up can help to prevent oral cancer. The dentist will check for signs of oral cancer. If you have a family history of cancer, the dentist may recommend having an oral cancer screening test.
4) To get tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums
During your regular dental check-up, the dentist will give you tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums. The dentist may recommend that you:
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Floss your teeth every day.
- Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Eat healthy foods and avoid sugary drinks.
5) To save money
A regular dental check-up can save you money. Problems like tooth decay and gum disease can be costly to treat. A regular check-up can help to prevent these problems. If you have dental insurance, it usually covers most of the cost of a regular dental check-up.
You should visit the dentist for a regular check-up every six months. It is a good time to have your teeth cleaned and checked for problems. You may need to visit the dentist more often if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, or if you are pregnant.
In a nutshell, going for a regular dental check-up has many benefits. It can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. It can also give you tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums.
