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• admin
• 23 Nov 2023

Dental Check Up

Most of us dread going to the dentist. While some would say that a dental checkup might be the last thing they would rather do, they are completely unaware of the repercussions they may face in the long run. Avoiding dental visits can affect your teeth in the form of tooth decay, cavities, gum diseases, tooth loss, and possibly even oral cancer. Eventually, oral treatment such as restorations and implants end up being very costly. According to a survey, The United States is the second most expensive country where a dental implant cost approximately $2,500.

It is advised to visit a dentist twice every year, once in 6 months. Getting a dental check-up can help maintain the overall health of your teeth and mouth and help identify any problems, early. The dentist conducts an oral exam of your gums and teeth, diagnoses any oral health problems, orders X-rays (if appropriate) and make treatment recommendations. Check-ups are important not only for cleaning, but to find any problems early.

Why twice a year?

1. So that your dentist can check for problems that you might not see or feel like early signs of decay.
2. To treat any other oral health problems found. Generally, the earlier a problem is found, the more manageable it is.

However, some people may need to be seen more often. Such people include those who have:

•  
  • Gum diseases
  • A weak immune system
  • Family history of plaque build-up and cavities 
  • At the time of certain life events, particularly those that cause stress or illness.

What to expect at a dental checkup?

The dentist will ask you questions on your general health such as:

• Brushing habits
• History of smoking
• Current dental health
• Any dental fears or apprehensions

The doctor might also skim over your medical history and current medications. Several diseases, diabetes , for example, can increase the risk of gum disease and may require a different approach to treatments or prevention. Some medicines can cause dry mouth, which can increase your risk of cavities. Other important reasons for your dentist to know your medicines are so that he or she doesn’t prescribe a medicine that could interact with the one you are already taking and to change the type of anesthesia given, if necessary.

Moving on, the dentist will look into your mouth and carry out a thorough oral examination of your gums and teeth. They may also take X-rays of your teeth in order to look for signs of decay and detect oral issues in depth. X-rays allow dentists to determine tooth decay that may not be visible in a routine checkup. Although home-based tooth brushing and flossing help remove plaque, only professional cleaning done by a dentist can thoroughly clean your teeth and remove the calculus that builds up on them. Furthermore, the dentist, upon inspection, will give you treatment options and give recommendations for the best steps forward. And lastly, they will also advise you how often and when you should visit them again depending on the severity of oral health problems and also provide medications if and when necessary.

Importance Of Dental Checkups (For All Ages)

1. Prevent tooth decay, plaque/tartar and cavities

Even after regularly brushing your teeth, fragments of food can still be stuck in your teeth. These areas can gather a lot of bacteria to build up over time and be a breeding ground for cavities. Regular dental checkups can eliminate this threat and ensure it doesn’t develop further.

‘An aching tooth is better out than in. To lose a rotting member is a gain.’ – Richard Baxter

2. Eliminate bad breath

Many people suffer from bad breath and are often embarrassed by it even though they regularly brush their teeth. This can only be treated at a professional dental set up with the help of ultrasonic scalers.

Cavities may have formed in your teeth which may be inaccessible by a toothbrush and can only be removed through proper dental tools.

3. Save money in the long-run

Simply put, A few trips to your dentist can avoid multiple trips to your dentist. This is because regular dental checkups allow the dentists to detect early oral issues– before they turn into complicated procedures. Statistics reveal that 3 in 10 people delayed or altogether avoided a visit to a dental clinic due to its high cost. Such complications can be avoided if you visit your dentists twice a year and religiously follow their advice.

4. Checkup on head, neck, and lymph nodes region

A regular dental checkup includes an examination of the head, neck, and lymph nodes found under your jawline. This will allow the dentist to diagnose other illnesses or abnormalities the patient may have and refer him to the respective medical professional. As a result, other early illnesses can be identified which can be treated and eliminated.

5. Limit bad habits

There are a number of bad habits which are negatively affecting your oral health like brushing your teeth too hard, crushing ice, grinding teeth, drinking coffee, red wine, and smoking. During a dental checkup, the dentist will assess your oral health and advice you accordingly. So, by attempting to follow the advice you would likely be bringing a positive change in your lifestyle. Moreover, by abstaining from smoking, you would not only be ensuring good oral health but good overall health as well.