Dental Check-Ups & Cleans
Why Dental Check-Ups are Important
Our teeth are amazingly tough and withstand much of what life throws at them, but our lifestyle, health and hormones all can impact the health of our teeth and gums.
The problem with many dental issues is that they show little or no symptoms unless you are trained in early identification. This means issues can go undetected until you have pain, your teeth break, your fillings fall out, or you develop a serious infection in your teeth or gums.
Having regular check-ups allow small problems to be identified and dealt with simply and easily before they escalate into expensive, painful major issues.
What Happens During A Dental Check-up?
At a dental check-up, we check your teeth, gums, jaws and mouth for any potential issues, develop treatment options for emerging issues and give your teeth a thorough clean.
It starts with the dentist looking around your teeth and mouth. With a dental explorer, they check your fillings and grooves in your teeth to make sure they are firm and show no signs of decay.
If needed, you may have a digital x-ray to look beneath the surface of the teeth and between your teeth for hidden decay. Your gums will also be checked for gum disease and recession.
After your teeth and gums have been checked, hardened tartar deposits and stains will be removed. Your teeth will be flossed and then polished until they are lovely and smooth.
How Often Do I Need a Dental Check-up?
You may have heard that you need a dental check-up every six months. While this is a good general rule, this doesn’t consider individual health, diet and lifestyle factors.
Some people need dental check-ups every few months to stay on top of dental problems, while other people may only need a check-up and clean every year.
The same with x-rays. Some people have slow decay rates while others have lifestyle factors that make cavities more likely. This means some people will need x-rays every year, while others every three years.
Each person is different, and you need a dental schedule that matches your personal needs. Talk with us about what is the right schedule for you.
Tips for Maintaining Your Oral Health Between Dental Check-ups
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day.
Floss or use dental tape or interdental brushes between your teeth once a day.
Change your toothbrush every three months and choose a soft bristled brush.
Do not open packets, cut plastic tags on clothes, chew fingernails or remove bottle caps with your teeth. Your teeth are not designed for these stresses and can chip or break.
Sipping acidic drinks for prolonged periods can damage your enamel. Soft drinks, sports drinks, wine and fruit juices can dissolve calcium from the surface of your teeth. If you do take a while to drink any of these, rinsing your mouth with water in the short term is a good idea and then brush after waiting 30 minutes.
Looking for A Dental Check-Up in Alderley?
If you are looking for gentle and detailed teeth check-up and clean, then book an appointment with Meg Bowtell Dentist Clinic.