Why it’s Important to Have Regular Dental Checkups

It can be easy to overlook and sometimes forget about the health of your teeth - until they give you a reason to. A toothache or difficulty biting into your favourite foods can be worrisome and could be the first sign of trouble, but at this point, it may be too late.

Tooth decay is a slow process and may not be accompanied by any symptoms, allowing it to go undetected. Unfortunately, it may not always be possible to notice any damage or decay in your teeth during your regular brushing and flossing routine, which is why it’s important to have a professional examine your teeth on a regular basis.

To stay on top of your oral hygiene, it is important to regularly visit your dentist for a professional check-up and cleaning.

What happens at dental visits?

If you are visiting your dentist for your regular check-up, your appointment will usually consist of two parts. The first part will be a thorough professional cleaning by a dental hygienist. You may have a great brushing and flossing routine; however, it will only be able to remove plaque.

Tartar build-up on your teeth cannot be removed during your oral cleaning routine at home. During the professional cleaning, the hygienist will use special tools to remove tartar from your teeth through a process known as scaling.

To give you that bright white smile, your hygienist may also polish your teeth to help remove any stains from the surface. Finally, your hygienist will floss your teeth to clean the areas between them.

The second part of your dental visit will be an examination of your mouth and teeth. Your dentist will take a look in your mouth for any signs of damage or decay; they may request x-rays be taken to check for any cavities hidden between your teeth.

Your dentist will also check to see if there is any plaque on your teeth. It is important to detect plaque and remove it; otherwise, it may harden and form tartar. Next, to be examined are your gums. Your dentist will use a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums.

When your gums are inflamed or if you have gum disease, the spaces between your teeth and gums will be deeper. Finally, it’s important to check the areas in and around your mouth, such as your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. Your dentist will check for any alarming signs by examining these areas and looking for swelling, redness or any signs of cancer.

How often should I visit the dentist?

It is important to visit the dentist regularly so they can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. You should aim to visit your dentist at least every six months. Make your appointments and make them stick. If you feel any pain in your teeth or any other problems, see your dentist right away; don’t wait until things get worse.

What to Do Between Dental Visits

Teeth and gum care should be consistent and continuous. It’s important to take care of your teeth and gums between each dental visit. Plaque formation on your teeth is something you can’t avoid since it constantly forms as you eat and drink, but it can be removed by regular brushing and flossing.

You can help keep your teeth healthy between dental visits by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and try to use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride will help protect your tooth’s enamel. Since brushing cannot always reach those pesky particles stuck between your teeth, it’s also important to floss daily, preferably after meals, to quickly remove any food particles which may become host to bacteria in your mouth.

Another good way to control plaque-forming bacteria is to use mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash will help control the bacteria in your mouth, which will reduce the build-up of plaque, not to mention your breath will smell minty fresh.

Healthy Teeth Are Important

When we consider how crucial our teeth are in our daily lives, it’s no surprise that we must take good care of them. Just like you visit the doctor for regular check-ups you should also make it a point to visit your dentist regularly. Toothaches and cavities are no picnic; they can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favourite foods and overall decrease your quality of life.

Tooth decay is not something that happens overnight, so if your dentist can catch the problem in its early stages, they will be able to manage and treat the problem and keep you from pain and expense in the future.

To learn more about why you should see a dentist regularly, call Roots on Whyte Dental at 888-602-2308 or contact us here.