Dental checkups are nothing to worry about, but it is extremely important to ensure you book in regular visits with your dentist and avoid delaying booking your appointment. Unfortunately, many of us ignore the signs and only resort to visiting a dentist until it is too late. Patients who have frequent checkups are far less likely to experience dental problems than those who visit infrequently.
During a dental checkup, your dentist will examine your teeth, mouth and gums and will ask questions about your general health, making sure that you have had no problems since your last visit. Your dentist will also provide you with advice on your diet and oral hygiene to ensure that if you are suffering from any dental problems, then you can be given a tailored treatment plan that suits you.
Depending on your age and the condition of your oral health, your dentist may recommend you revisit in three months or even up to two years, however, the average recommended time is usually six months.
This guide explains plenty of reasons why you should never miss a dental checkup and why they are so important.
Prevent Dental Problems
Your dentist will take a look at the condition of your teeth and gums and will be able to pinpoint any signs that are of concern and can lead to further dental problems. When it comes to dental checkups, your dentist has the responsibility to catch things early and spot potential problems, whether it be dental decay, gum disease or other health problems relating to oral health.
For example, if your gums are red, inflamed or are bleeding, your dentist can issue you with a treatment plan and prevent any issues before they happen. These problems will be identified earlier and treated with as little work as possible.
The Cost
The two main factors influencing the decision to avoid the dentist is typically dental anxiety (dentophobia) and the unanticipated cost. However, visiting your dentist regularly is more affordable than avoiding and only visiting when you are in pain or require emergency dental treatment.
With a regular checkup costing just £48, you’ll be given a complete examination of your mouth, teeth and gums, as well as in-depth consultations and discussions to talk through any dental problems you may have. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits is far more affordable than having preventative dental treatment to correct any bad habits or dental problems.
Prevent Bad Breath and Staining
Plaque buildup around the gums can cause bad breath. Hardened plaque can only be removed through a professional scale and polish which also removes stubborn stains as well as preventing bad breath.
Check Fillings and Restorations
As old fillings are prone to chipping or becoming loose, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not checked regularly.
During a dental checkup, your dentist will examine all fillings and restoration, making sure that they are in good condition. If anything is wrong, your dentist will be able to fix any small issues or even recommend having further fillings or treatment to prevent any infections.
Reduced Risk of Health Problems
During dental checkups, your dentist will analyse your teeth and check for any indications that you may have symptoms of common health problems. Some of these problems can include…
Heart Disease and Stroke
You may be twice as likely to develop heart disease or a stroke if you have periodontal (gum) disease due to plaque and bacteria finding their way into the bloodstream easier. It’s important to look out for the signs and to visit your dentist if you are suffering from bleeding gums.
Respiratory Problems
Periodontal disease can also result in bacteria travelling through the bloodstream into your lungs which can have a knock-on effect with your respiratory system and can cause you problems later on in life.
Dementia
Poor hygiene and oral health can increase your risk of suffering from dementia at an early age due to brain inflammation caused by inflamed gums. Brain inflammation could result in the death of certain brain cells.
Mouth Cancer
With around 8,300 people diagnosed with mouth cancer each year in the UK, your dentist will examine your mouth to check for any signs while checking for lumps on your head or neck. While the common symptoms, which include red or white patches in the mouth, are usually nothing to worry about, visiting your dentist could help save your life.
Visit Your Dentist
Your dentist should be your first port of call when it comes to concerns about your oral health. However, with that being said, it’s also critical that dental problems aren’t left until last minute and that you regularly visit your dentist for dental checkups to prevent these problems from taking place.
We provide free online dental e-consultations and with our excellence and knowledge, we are able to provide professional dental treatment for gum disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, while creating you a treatment plan that is tailored to you. Our professional dental hygienists even provide dental cleaning to remove any hardened plaque (tartar).
Hermes Dental Clinic London is an award-winning dental clinic with experience and a proven track record in many dental procedures. If you want more reasons to smile, then simply get in contact today – we’d love to help.
