The Importance of a Regular Dental Checkup
Regular dental checkups are a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, and are especially important for people who have risk factors for gum disease, such as diabetes.
Your dentist can help you identify and treat problems early, which will not only prevent them from getting worse, but also help keep your overall dental health in top condition.
During your checkup, your dentist can also provide you with information on how to care for your teeth at home, including brushing and flossing techniques.
Are Regular Dental Checkups Really That Important?
The answer is a clear yes - a lot of people don’t know that their teeth are actually one of their most important organs, and must be taken care of in order to maintain a healthy life.
Regular checkups are important because they let your dentist know if there are any minor issues with your teeth or gums before they become more serious. Patients who come in with pain or discomfort are often suffering from an issue that could have been avoided if they had gone in for regular checkups.
Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups
We’ve broken down the benefits of dental checkups so that you can understand just how important they are not only for your dental health, but for your overall wellbeing:
1. Oral cancer detection
Oral cancer is a serious but treatable condition. Early detection is the best way to ensure your treatment will be successful and that the disease can be cured.
With their expert knowledge of serious conditions such as oral cancer, our dentists can identify any possible signs early on and act as quickly as possible to remedy them.
2. Plaque
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your teeth when you eat or drink acidic foods and drinks. If left untreated, plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Regular dental cleanings during your checkups can help to get rid of the plaque before it causes any damage. This saves you a lot of stress, as well as money, down the line.
3. Gum disease
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and early detection can be the difference between a quick and easy repair and a long, drawn-out battle.
A dental checkup can help you determine whether or not you have gum disease, and schedule treatment if necessary.
4. Finding hidden problems
There are several ways that a dentist can find hidden problems with your teeth and gums, and one of the most common methods is through an x-ray.
Dental x-rays are an important part of your dental care, as they help your dentist find problems inside your mouth and teeth that you can't see yourself. This can help you catch them before they get worse, or even stop them from happening at all.
5. Prevent root canals
Root canals are a common procedure that dentists perform to remove infected pulp tissue. In some cases, the remaining nerve becomes inflamed and painful, requiring treatment.
To prevent root canals, it’s important for you to schedule regular checkups with your dentist. This will allow them to catch any potential issues before they become major concerns.
6. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. During your checkups, you have the option of discussing teeth whitening methods with your dentist.
Maple Dental Health offers professional teeth whitening services, all under the supervision of an experienced dental practitioner.
How Often Do You Need a Dental Checkup?
How often you need a dental checkup depends on your oral health, your age, and your teeth.
If you have good oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, you may only need an annual dentist checkup. If your teeth are particularly sensitive, or you have other concerns, then visiting the dentist every 6 months is recommended.
If you are over the age of 60, then regular checkups are even more important. As we get older, our mouths naturally start to change, and can become prone to problems. This means that it's vital that we see our dentists regularly so that they can spot any problems early on and prevent them from getting worse.
Maintaining Dental Health
It is important to take care of your dental health in between checkups. This helps you to maintain a healthy mouth and teeth, and lower the chance of needing additional treatments during your checkups.
There are some key ways you can also prevent tooth decay and other dental problems, such as using the right toothbrush and, of course, flossing. Maple Dental Health recommends adding these habits into your daily dental care routine, which will help you to stay on top of your overall dental health.
During your next dental checkup, be sure to check with your dentist if you have questions or concerns related to your dental health. After all, that’s what we’re here for.
Maple Dental Health provides optimum dental care with a personal touch. Get in contact today to book your next dental appointment.