Regular Dental Checkup Time And Money Well Spent

Be as religious about dental appointments as you are about facials and hair cuts.

Perhaps there’s no headache-  inducing tooth pain or maybe your pearly whites look healthy     enough. But there are details    you will not be able to see, no matter how hard you examine your teeth in front of a mirror. Regular checkups with your dentist are what some people deem a “necessary evil”, but it is one of the most important things for dental health, next to brushing and flossing. Checkups are not just to check for cavities, and they are certainly not just for kids. Checkups are about stopping (or preventing) dental problems before they start and making sure that existing problems do not worsen.

According to guidelines set by the American Dental Association, “regular dental checkups every six months are the best way to make sure your gums and teeth stay healthy. The six-month checkup allows your dentist to diagnose any problems, and to take preventive action to stop problems before they develop”.

 What does your dentist see?

During the checkup, your dentist is trained to look for anything unusual in your mouth, throat and neck. This includes the oral manifestations of diseases, oral cancer, infections, early signs of gum disease, eroded fillings and dental decay.

 Who needs dental checkups?

Aside from dental health considerations, people who wear dentures or braces, have dental implants, or take medication with oral side effects, like dry mouth (as in cancer patients), and those with overgrown gums are strongly recommended to go for checkups more frequently. This is so as only a dentist can identify the oral manifestations of these conditions, and refer them to other health professionals for treatment if necessary.

Aside from a thorough examination, treatment and updating your dental and medical history, a dental checkup can include a professional cleaning to target problems that cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush.

A professional cleaning every now and then is the only way to remove hardened tartar deposits from our teeth. If these are not removed, they can lead to gum disease – the leading cause of teeth loss in adults. Aside from removing stains and mild discolourations, cleaning also smoothes and polishes the surface of our teeth and fillings, making them less likely to accumulate plaque.

During your appointment, take time to open up to your dentist. Tell him about changes in your general health, any medication you are taking, as well as any specific dental problems or concerns you have. You can also mention any stressful episodes or stress inducing factors in your life, since stress can affect our oral health. Remember, a good dental checkup takes time, but it’s time well spent •