When you schedule a regular check-up with your dentist, you’re getting your teeth, mouth, and gums looked at in many different ways. Each dental check-up is slightly different, but most involve a thorough cleaning with a dental hygienist, an exam with the dentist to check for dental and oral health, an x-ray (if needed), and a recommendation for the future.
At the end of the check-up, the dentist can give you customized advice and recommendations on strengthening your oral health, including guidance on your next dental cleaning appointment, teeth whitening offers, or improving your oral hygiene.
Today, let’s explore a few reasons why it’s so essential to have regular dental checks. Here’s what you need to know:
Keep Teeth Nice and Clean
Those who have regular dental cleanings and check-ups may not think twice about them, but they’re essential. A dental cleaning, also known as a prophy, is the most important way to maintain good oral health. During your cleaning, the hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from all surfaces of your teeth, giving you a fresh and clean mouth.
The dental hygienist will also use specialized instruments to clean under the gums, braces, and hard-to-reach places. During the cleaning, the hygienist may also detect small chips or cracks in your teeth hidden from the naked eye and file them down to make your teeth look nice and smooth.
Diagnose and Treat Tooth Decay
One of the main reasons to see your dentist is to catch and treat decay before it worsens. Bacteria in the mouth and plaque build-up on the teeth can cause some wear and tear on the teeth over time. A dental check-up will allow your dentist to uncover any tooth decay, chips, or cracks before they get worse and have to be addressed.
Dentists are specially trained to help identify cavities and decay and can even fix them. If the decay is minor, your dentist will likely use a dental filling to repair it. However, if the decay is extensive, you may need a dental crown to rebuild your tooth.
Address Oral Health Concerns
A dental check-up is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any oral health concerns you have with your dentist. Even if you have a minor problem with your teeth or don’t have any issues, the dental check-up is a good way to talk with your dentist about any oral health concerns.
Dentists are trained to look for problems and identify potential issues, such as a potential tooth abscess, a swollen or sore gum, or any food impaction. If your dentist finds anything that needs to be addressed, they’ll make treatment recommendations, usually which include a temporary or permanent solution depending on your oral health needs.
Better Overall Health
Having regular dental appointments with your dentist will help improve your overall health. For instance, studies have shown that those who see their dentist regularly maybe half as likely to die from an infection of the heart, lungs, and other major organs.
Regular dental cleanings will keep your mouth clean, which can help prevent cavities, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
Not only will seeing your dentist give you a mouth free from cavities and free from periodontal disease, but it will also help keep your teeth stronger and smile brighter.
The Bottom Line
It’s often easy to put off seeing the dentist. However, a dental check-up is essential to your overall health. From keeping you cavity-free and helping you avoid periodontal disease and tooth decay, dental check-ups are an essential part of your overall health.
If you are looking for a safe and reliable dental clinic, we can help you! Here at Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of dental and cosmetic dentistry services. Our goal is to improve your oral health and aesthetics. Contact us today to learn more. Book an appointment online now!