Why Are Regular Checkups Essential?
[M.D.S. (Ortho), Fellow ICOI]
“Prevention is better than cure.” Doctors always say it, but it’s more true than ever when it comes to dental health because there are many pitfalls that hide behind the lack of periodic dental checks. Very often, we think we have a healthy mouth just because we don’t have toothaches or we don’t suffer from gum bleeding. In this way, however, we neglect all those asymptomatic problems that can give rise to serious diseases of the teeth and gums, which are difficult to cure once they have occurred.
Tartar, for example, is difficult to identify and remove with daily oral hygiene and, if neglected, can lead to the onset of periodontitis. Regularly contacting your dentist for a checkup is very important: oral hygiene starts at home, but only a professional can complete it perfectly based on everyone’s problems.
What is the checkup visit?
The periodic visit to the dentist is a routine checkup, but it requires time and expertise. In this phase, the doctor will check the appearance and health of all the components of the oral cavity to identify any problems that could cause harm to the patient, such as inflammation, infection, or trauma.
During the checkup, the dentist will evaluate the health of the gums and the anchoring of the teeth to them, the presence of cavities, tartar, and enamel problems. During the visit, the specialist will also check the position of the teeth and the bite to avoid problems related to chewing.
The checkup visit to the dentist can be completed through further in-depth examinations. A simple ortho-panoramic, for example, will be able to identify the presence of granulomas and cysts inside the bone. A 3D CT scan instead represents the most complete and precise exam to use when you want to have a complete picture of your mouth’s health, as well as when you need to plan any implant surgery or bone augmentation.
Following the periodic checkup by the dentist, it will also be advisable to proceed with a deep dental cleaning which will allow the elimination of tartar and the identification of any hidden gum disease or caries that could endanger the health of the teeth.
Benefits of Visiting Your Dentist Regularly and Get Your Teeth Cleaned
Any dentist can tell you the importance of regular checkups and professional dental cleanings. Visits are usually scheduled every six months for both children and adults. However, many patients wonder why this is necessary. Here are the five reasons cleanings and checkups are good for your health.
Keeping your teeth clean
Regular brushing and flossing at home will not ensure absolute cleanliness. A professional cleaning will eliminate bacteria, food debris, and plaque, even in inaccessible places.
Dental health monitoring
With regular visits to the dental clinic, your doctor can track any changes related to oral health. Dentists can check for caries or signs of periodontal disease during these examinations, which can lead to irreversible consequences. Most oral diseases are best treated early when they are difficult to detect without examination. Thus, regular visits will help you maintain a healthy smile for years!
For educational purposes
Patients, especially children, should spend time with their doctor to learn how to care for their smiles. Our team loves to teach patients how to properly brush and floss their teeth to keep their mouths healthy. We will also discuss the right toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss for optimal results. Our clinic also offers free hygiene classes for children from time to time.
Oral Cancer Prevention
Oral cancer that is treated early is less aggressive. Regular visits to the dentist can detect unusual concerns and diagnose and treat cancer before it becomes a serious problem.
Relationship maintenance
When you stick with one dentist for a while, you build a good connection and trust. This is super useful for people who get scared of dental visits.
How often to have a dental checkup
In patients who do not present particular problems, it may be sufficient to proceed with a checkup visit to the dentist once a year. On the other hand, those who have specific problems that could cause problems with their oral health should undergo dental checkups even every 6 months.
In particular, people who smoke, have diabetes, or have genetic predispositions to mouth diseases should undergo at least two visits yearly.
There are also children among the patients who should undergo a dental check every six months. In fact, in the pediatric age, the frequency of checks is very important since replacing milk teeth with permanent ones is a delicate phase that needs to be carefully followed by a dentist. In this way, it will be easier to keep under control the growth of new teeth, the development of the conformation of the arches, and their occlusion so that there is a way to intervene promptly in case of problems.
Periodic inspection of the systems
Among those who should undergo checkups every six months, there are also those with dental implants. Prostheses require the same oral hygiene and controls as natural teeth. During the checkups, the dentist will evaluate the tightness of the implant infrastructures and the presence of bacterial plaque, which could cause bone destruction processes. For teeth and implants, the rule of prevention and better than cure always applies, as every problem, if caught in time, provides therapies and possible solutions directly proportional to its state of progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prioritizing preventive dental care is essential for optimal oral health. Regular checkups with dentists, complemented by professional cleanings, offer numerous advantages. They help identify hidden issues, prevent severe diseases, and ensure early intervention when necessary. Individuals can avoid painful conditions and costly treatments by following a proactive approach to dental health. Remember, a healthy smile is a valuable asset, and investing in preventive measures is a small price to pay for long-term well-being.
