Importance of Getting a Regular Check-Up

Dental appointments shouldn’t just be made when you have a problem that needs to be addressed. Prevention is always better than needing a cure and there are plenty of more reasons why it’s important to maintain regular visits to your local dental practice.

What happens at your dental visit?

There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit – checkup, or examination and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis.

At the dental check up your dental professional will check for cavities. X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.

Next, your gums will be checked. This will be done with a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. With healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. When people have gum disease, the spaces may become deeper.

The check-up should also include a careful examination of your tongue, throat, face, head, and neck. This is to look for any signs of trouble – swelling, redness, or possible signs of cancer.

What you should do between each dental visit

Be sure to take care of your teeth and gums between regular dental visits. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, but you can manage it by brushing and flossing regularly. Here are some tips for good oral care at home.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Floss daily.
• Use a mouthwash to help control plaque bacteria. This will also help to keep your breath fresh.

Other reasons why regular dentist check-ups are important:

Check for mouth cancer

This is one of the most important things your dentist will do at every check-up. Dentists will do an examination for signs of mouth cancer, as well as head and neck cancer. To do this they will be checking for any lumps on your head or neck. They will also check for any red or white patches in the mouth. Usually, these checks will find nothing unusual, but they could potentially save your life.

Dental hygienists

Dental hygienists and therapists are often overlooked when it comes to our oral health, but they can be extremely valuable for both the services they can offer and the advice they can give. Dental hygienists are mainly concerned with ‘preventive’ dental health and treating gum disease – showing you correct home care and helping you to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes professionally cleaning your teeth (usually called a ‘scale and polish’) by removing plaque and tartar, both of which encourage tooth decay and gum disease.

Consultations about tooth whitening

Tooth whitening has grown in popularity over recent years but there are plenty of myths out there that can lead to confusion about what is safe, as well as issues of legality. Your dentist is in the best position to give you advice about your options when it comes to tooth whitening. They are in the best position because not only do they know a lot about teeth whitening but they are also the only place you can legally get your teeth professionally whitened.

For more information about tooth whitening check out our ‘Tooth Whitening Information Group’ page.

They can catch things early or prevent them from happening

With just a mirror you can see how your teeth are looking but underneath your gums, a lot can be going on without you even realizing it. Dentists not only solve problems, but they can also prevent them. Potential problems they can spot include the onset of gum disease and dental decay. When it comes to your oral health it is important you are proactive and seeing your dentist regularly so that they can catch any issues early before they become a problem.

Dentists can provide help and advice specific to your needs

Often when people have a problem they turn to the internet, a place filled with lots of great information, but also misinformation. On the other hand, a dentist has had to train for years to be qualified in the profession and will provide the guidance you can trust. By visiting your dentist regularly you can build a good relationship that will allow them to tailor advice and support specific to your needs over a long period of time.

There really isn’t anyone better placed to help you keep on top of your oral health than your dentist, so they should be your first port of call when it comes to concerns about your teeth and mouth.

At North Brand Dental in Glendale and Moorpark, CA, Dr. Acopian and Dr. Ghadimi offer all of the personalized services you need for regular dental visit – checkup, or examination and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis.. Call (818) 244-7215 today to schedule an appointment for the exceptional care you deserve.