Dental checks are recommended every six months, but many people wonder why they need to have these check-ups twice a year, often thinking that they get in the way of their daily routine. Well, let us explain exactly why we insist on a check-up every six months!
A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any problems and helps you to keep your mouth healthy. Leaving complications untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so catching the issue early is always best.
Preventing Or Detecting Oral Cancer
Our dentists are trained to recognise the symptoms and to diagnose the early stages of potential oral cancer, often symptoms that you wouldn’t notice yourself. Some of these symptoms could be as simple as;
- A white or red patch within the mouth,
- Unexpectedly losing weight,
- A sore or ulcer that does not heel as it should or is bleeding.
Going to your checkup would mean that treatment can be applied early and therefore the chances of a full recovery are improved.
Common Dental Issues – Plaque, Tartar & Cavities
Small areas of the mouth are often missed despite frequent brushing and flossing. Going to the dentist regularly and having your teeth cleaned professionally when advised by the dentist prevents the build-up of plaque that can cause erosion the teeth or creates small holes in them. Cavities often give little warning before creating toothache, but a dentist will catch the early signs and prevent them from forming.
Preventing Gum Disease From Taking Hold
Tartar build-ups in the mouth can cause infections where the gums meet the teeth, causing the gum to pull away from the tooth itself. This is often referred to as Gingivitis and/or Paradontitis and is a very uncomfortable disease of the gum. By going to regular dental check-ups your dentist can spot the signs early and prevent the progression of the gum disease further, as well as giving you advice on how to prevent and stop this.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums,
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing,
- Loose or separating teeth,
- Sores in the mouth,
- Persistent bad breath,
- Change in the way teeth fit together when biting down.
Some ways you can prevent gum disease are:
- Brushing for two minutes, twice a day,
- Flossing daily,
- Eating healthily,
- Avoiding smoking,
- Regular dental checkups.
Check On Those Bad Habits
We all have them, but they can cause damage to our oral health. Things such as; smoking, jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and chewing hard items like ice can cause damage. This dental damage can include:
- Discoloration and weakening of the teeth,
- Chipping or eroding the enamel,
- Inhibiting blood circulation,
- Raise the acidity levels in the mouth which attacks the enamel.
Your dentist will monitor the extent of this damage and in some cases, such as grinding, will give you items like a retainer to prevent further damage from being caused.
Issues That Manifest Under The Surface & That Can Be Spotted By X-Rays
Dental x-rays can show a dentist if there are any issues that are not visible to the naked eye like;
- Impacted teeth – often seen with wisdom teeth – this is when a tooth has been blocked from breaking through the gum,
- Jaw damage,
- Bone decay,
- Any hidden swelling, cysts or tumours,
- Cavities between teeth.
An x-ray can help our dentists to diagnose any issues and treat anything that could cause an issue if left untreated.
It’s Not Just Your Mouth You Need To Check
Swollen lymph nodes are not always noticeable and are easy for a dentist to spot. This is important as they do need to be checked, as they are often the sign of an infection and tumours.
If you are considering skipping a dental checkup because of cost or any other factor like time or dental anxiety, make sure to consider all the risks discussed above. You may end up paying more in the long run, so why not make sure you are attending regular dental appointments to keep your mouth healthy and dental costs down?
If you would like some advice or would like to book an appointment, please contact Shifnal Dental Care on 01952 460119 or fill out our enquiry form. Our treatment coordinator Katherine would be happy to speak to with you.
