Dental checkups aren’t just for the teeth – they’re also a great way to detect and resolve oral health issues early on. This prevents them from becoming more severe and costly in the future.
They also provide expert cleanings and important education on oral hygiene practices that are tailored to your unique needs by a qualified dentist.
Prevents Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. Dental checkups can help prevent gum disease by removing plaque that is hiding between and under your teeth. Plaque provides harmful mouth bacteria with a staging ground to attack your teeth and gums. Over time, plaque will calcify into tartar, which is much more difficult to get rid of with brushing and flossing alone. A professional cleaning during a regular dental checkup removes tartar from your teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
During your visit, the dentist will also screen your gums for redness, swelling, or soreness. They will measure your periodontal pockets to see if you have any pockets that are deeper than normal, which is a sign of gum disease. The dentist will also examine your jaw bones and existing dental work for signs of infection, growths, or abnormalities. X-rays are often used during a dental checkup to identify issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, including cavities or damage to your jaw bone structure.
Besides being vital for your oral health, good gums have been linked to other health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Studies have shown that people with poor oral hygiene are more likely to experience health problems such as high blood pressure, respiratory infections, and even strokes.
Prevents Tooth Decay
In addition to removing all of the bacterial plaque and tartar from your teeth, your dentist and dental hygienist at Diamond Creek dental clinic will also check for signs of tooth decay. When they detect cavities in the early stages, it’s much easier and cheaper to treat them. Small cavities can be easily repaired with a filling, but if they’re left untreated they can progress to more extensive and expensive treatments.
Another part of routine dental visits is examining your mouth for signs of gum disease or oral cancer. These are also easier to treat in the early stages, and can avoid more serious and costly complications down the road.
Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to provide education on good oral hygiene habits, such as how to properly brush and floss. They can recommend specific products and techniques tailored to your needs, so you’ll be able to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
If you’re not making dental visits a priority in your family’s health routine, it’s time to change that! Make sure you and your family get to the dentist for routine care every six months, so that you can enjoy all of the benefits that come with healthy teeth and gums. From improved self-esteem to better overall health, it’s essential that everyone makes their dental health a top priority!
Prevents Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common problem that can be treated and prevented long-term through regular dental cleaning procedures. During a professional cleaning, food particles are dislodged and bacteria is killed. This can significantly improve breath and prevent other oral health problems from developing.
During your checkup, the dentist will also evaluate the health of your gums and teeth for signs of cavities, gum disease, infections, and other dental issues that may be contributing to bad breath. They will also take X-rays to detect issues that are not visible to the naked eye, including impacted or decaying teeth. In addition, the dentist can detect early signs of oral cancer and recommend appropriate treatment.
Your dentist can also advise you on how to manage other causes of bad breath such as dry mouth, underlying health conditions, and medications or supplements you are taking. They can provide tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques that are tailored to your needs, as well as help you find ways to keep your saliva flowing throughout the day.
In addition to promoting good oral health, regular dental checkups can positively impact your overall wellbeing as research has linked poor gum health with heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. This is why it is so important to prioritize dental appointments and get your family into the habit of going regularly from a young age.
Prevents Other Health Problems
There are a number of ways to prevent dental issues that could threaten your oral health, and a lot of these can be spotted during your dental checkups. These visits also give you the opportunity to have x-rays taken that allow dentists to look at deeper levels of your jawbone structure where cavities can hide and may not be as visible as they are on the surface of the tooth. This early detection means that any dental problems are dealt with before they have the chance to worsen and can save you from more expensive treatments down the road.
During these visits, your dentist can screen for other issues like gum disease and oral cancer that can be a sign of a serious underlying health problem. They can also screen for teeth grinding (bruxism) and recommend treatment, such as a custom mouthguard to help you break the habit.
Regular dental checkups are a vital part of oral health care for everyone, at every stage of life. They can help you avoid the most common dental problems and keep your teeth in good condition for a lifetime. By prioritizing these visits and following a strong at-home hygiene routine, you can enjoy a long, healthy, and bright smile.
