Dental Check Up
Benefits of Routine Dental Check-Ups
Regular dental check ups and cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health.
Here are a few reasons why you should visit the dentist regularly:
1. Early Detection
Routine dental check ups can help to detect dental problems in a timely manner. These potential problems include dental decay (cavities), gum disease, cracked teeth, tooth wear, and oral cancer.
With a clinical check-up and the help of low-dose routine x-rays 1 , our dentist can identify and address any issues before they become more serious and more costly to treat.
2. Preventive Care
Along with your dental check up, our dentist can help to tailor a personalised preventive oral care regimen to help reduce your risk of developing dental problems.
For example, some patients who are prone to developing decay may benefit from periodic fluoride treatments and application of fissure sealants if necessary.
High concentration fluoride toothpaste may be recommended for use at home.
3. Professional Cleaning
Even with good oral hygiene habits, there are areas in your mouth that are difficult to clean thoroughly on your own. With a professional scale and polish, plaque and tartar buildup can be removed, reducing your risk of developing gum disease.
4. Overall Health
Your oral health is connected to your overall health. Poor oral health is linked to other systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Ensuring good oral health is key to ensuring good overall health well into your old age.
Navigating Routine Dental Check-ups: What to Expect
A routine dental check-up is a key component of maintaining optimal oral health. Here’s what typically occurs during the procedure:
1. Oral Examination
The dentist begins with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They look for signs of decay, gum disease, or any abnormalities. X-rays may be taken to assess hidden areas.
2. Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Professional cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially in areas hard to reach with regular brushing. This helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
3. Gum Health Assessment
The dentist checks the health of your gums, looking for signs of inflammation or bleeding. This assessment helps detect and address issues like gingivitis or periodontitis early on.
4. Oral Cancer Screening
A visual and tactile examination is conducted to check for any signs of oral cancer. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making this a standard part of routine check-ups.
5. Discussion and Recommendations
The dentist discusses their findings, addresses any concerns you may have, and provides personalised recommendations for maintaining or improving your oral health. This may include advice on oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, or potential treatments if issues are identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, most patients should visit the dentist for a dental check up at least once every 6 months. For patients who are prone to developing dental problems, your dentist may recommend a shorter recall interval.
A dental check up typically includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity, along with professional cleaning and oral health advice. Safe, low-dose x-rays may be taken, as required, in order to diagnose your oral condition accurately. Your dentist will listen to any concerns you may have and carve out a tailored treatment plan and preventive regimen based on your needs.
Oral hygiene is one of the many factors which affect oral health. Other factors which come into play include genetics and lifestyle habits (e.g. diet, smoking habits, stress levels, etc). In spite of good oral hygiene, one may still develop dental problems over time. Regular dental check ups are crucial to detect and address any hidden issues before they become more severe.
Treating a child is different from treating an adult patient. Our dentists are acutely aware of that fact and seek to provide a positive dental experience for our child patients, while ensuring that their pearly whites are well taken care of. Paediatric dental check ups focus on detecting dental disease, monitoring dental development, and providing preventive treatments like fluoride treatment and fissure sealants. Oral health advice is also given to both children and parents to help build healthy dental habits from a young age.
