The importance of routine dental check-ups
If you’ve ever questioned whether you really need to visit the dentist for routine check-ups, we thought this blog would be a good opportunity to remind you of their importance. For children and adults, routine dental check-ups are the first line of defence against gum disease and tooth decay, apart from daily brushing and flossing.
Why every 6 months
By seeing you approximately every six months, we are better able to spot potential problems with your teeth and gums before they have a chance to really take hold. During your routine check-up with the dentist, we will check your teeth for cavities and see whether you have plaque or tartar that needs dealing with. If left unchecked, plaque – a clear, sticky bacteria – can harden and become tartar, which can contribute to decay and gum disease.
We will also check your gums during your routine dental examination, using a special tool to measure the space between your teeth and gums, and get a good sense of any bleeding that might be occurring. Although you can’t reverse the effects of gum disease, you can stop it in its tracks with the right approach. If you ignore gum disease, it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss and has even been associated with problems such as heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.
Most dentists use the routine check-up us an opportunity to look for the early warning signs of cancer in the soft tissues of the mouth and tongue. Dentists are trained to notice signs that you might miss at home, which is another reason to visit us regularly.
As part of your routine dental check-ups, we recommend that you see our fantastic dental hygienist for a deep clean, scale and polish. The hygienist has special tools to remove the build-up of tartar, and will polish your teeth – usually with a special gritty paste – to help remove any surface stains.
Our hygienist will be able to give you pointers about cleaning your teeth more effectively, and is also very knowledgeable about how you can adapt your diet to support your dental health.
In a recent article, we looked at the warnings that children’s teeth are at crisis point. It is especially important that children attend routine check-ups from an early age – in fact, as soon as their milk teeth begin to come through. By seeing your little ones regularly, we can help spot potential problems before they take hold and gently encourage the idea of good oral health and regular dental care as being a routine part of life, like eating well or keeping fit. We can help your children learn about and take pride in brushing their teeth, and also answer questions you may have about your child’s diet or whether they’ll need braces in the future.
Children that attend the dentist regularly are more likely to be proactive about their future dental health, and can be protected from painful decay and extractions at a young age.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dentist in Bolton for routine check-ups or more extensive dental treatment, give us a call at Harwood Dental Care on 01204 304568. We look forward to seeing you.
