The Importance of Regular Dental Check-Ups for Maintaining Oral Health

Many people will only see a dentist when they develop a problem, such as a toothache, losing a filling or breaking a tooth. However, booking regular dental check-ups is a much more effective way to help prevent these problems from occurring in the first place. Also, dental problems can indicate a larger, underlying problem that affects overall health.

What to Expect During a Dental Check-up?

There are usually two parts to a check-up. The first is a detailed dental examination by your dentist to check for signs of problems. The second part is dental prophylaxis, where your teeth are cleaned professionally.

When your dentist checks your mouth, they look for signs of tooth decay and infection. They might take dental x-rays to check areas hidden from view, such as in between your teeth or in your tooth roots. They also look for plaque and tartar buildup and any signs of gum problems. The earliest signs of these problems are often only noticeable to a dental professional.

Plaque and Tartar

Everyone has some dental plaque, a sticky biofilm that continually forms over your teeth. The biofilm contains harmful bacteria, which is why regular brushing and flossing are so important to help remove as much of this biofilm as possible. Any that remains on teeth will harden into tartar or calculus within a couple of days. Tartar is a hard, crusty substance that can become stained and yellow. All the time it remains on your teeth, the harmful bacteria within it can cause tooth decay and infect and inflame your gums. Dental prophylaxis removes all plaque and tartar buildup and is an easy way to maintain better dental health.

Tooth Decay

Your teeth are covered with enamel, a hard protective substance. If enamel becomes damaged or eroded, harmful bacteria can enter the tooth, secreting acid that gradually causes cavities. The most common sign of tooth decay is a toothache, which can be persistent or only present when biting down or eating anything hot or cold. Tooth decay can be worsened by poor oral hygiene and poor diet.

Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)

A buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth can infect and inflame gums, causing periodontal disease. The earliest sign of periodontal disease is a form of gum disease called gingivitis, where the gums look slightly redder and more swollen than before and can bleed when you brush and floss. Treatment at this stage can stop gingivitis in its tracks and can be as simple as having your teeth cleaned professionally and paying more attention to your oral care routine. Leaving gum disease unchecked allows it to develop into periodontitis, a far more serious condition that can cause tooth loss. The bacteria that cause this condition can migrate from the mouth into your bloodstream, where they can travel anywhere around the body. Periodontitis has been associated with serious health conditions, including heart problems, stroke, diabetes and dementia.

Early detection of all these problems can save you time and money in the dental chair while giving you the confidence of knowing your smile is cared for properly and always looks its best. Equally importantly, caring for your dental health protects your overall health.