Are you due for your next dental check-up soon? Has it been a while since your last visit to the dentist? This article provides insight into how often you should see the dentist, why regular check-ups are important for your oral health and what you can expect during your appointment.
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What Are Dental Check-Ups?
Routine check-ups are an essential part of oral preventative care. During a check-up, your dentist thoroughly examines your teeth, gums, face, neck and throat. The purpose isn’t solely to check for existing problems but also to note any significant changes that occur between visits.
Not all problems can be diagnosed through visual inspection, so your dentist may take X-rays during your appointment. This can verify whether you have advanced tooth decay and have impacted or damaged teeth.
Other things that your dentist may check include the alignment of your bite, your tongue and how healthy your gums look.
Your dentist will advise you on self-care routines and if you require any advanced dental work at the moment. In some cases, routine check-ups will be paired with a thorough cleaning.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Check-Ups
One of the primary benefits of having regular dental check-ups is the prevention and early detection of dental problems. Catching a problem early can save you a lot of money and pain in the future. Whenever dental concerns go without treatment, they can worsen over time and require more advanced procedures to repair.
An example is if an x-ray shows that your teeth have shifted since your last visit, and one of your wisdom teeth could become impacted. Your dentist can recommend solutions to the problem before you wake up one day in agonizing pain.
Another benefit of having a dental check-up is that the cleaning you receive is thorough, ensuring any missed spots from brushing are addressed. A dentist is trained to remove any tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth, giving them a deep cleaning so your teeth are polished and bright.
How Often Should You Go for a Dental Check-Up?
You should speak with your dentist concerning how many visits you need, but most people should aim for two check-ups each year. This is because it’s recommended to have a professional cleaning every six months, and it’s easier to detect changes to your bite or mouth structure at these intervals. If you’re currently having orthodontic work done on your teeth, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently to ensure your teeth are adjusting properly.
What to Expect During a Dental Check-Up
After arriving for your dental check-up, your dentist will review any concerns you have about your oral hygiene and then perform a visual examination of your mouth, neck and throat. If there are any signs of gum disease, loose teeth or cavities, your dentist will recommend the appropriate solutions.
During your visit, your dentist will go over ways you can treat any issues you have at home and steps you can take to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. You’ll then receive a thorough tooth cleaning with a fluoride solution to strengthen your tooth enamel and polish your teeth.
Schedule Your Check-Up Today
Whether you’re due for your routine dental check-up or are experiencing dental pain or discomfort, Costello Family Dentistry is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
