It’s one of the questions our dentists are asked by almost every patient, here in Harwood. After all, we all know that visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do for the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. In this post, we’ll talk about how often you should book a check-up, what might be a cause for concern, and things you can do at home to avoid an emergency visit.

So, when do I need to go?

For someone with good oral health, it’s important to book at least an annual check-up with your dentist.  A lot can change in a year, but it’s still often enough that many things can be caught early on (though this does vary between individuals!). Many people are advised to go every 6 months, especially our younger patients. And, for those with oral health problems, every 3 months or even sooner may be recommended.

If you’re in any doubt about how often you need to see your dentist, talk to us at your next check-up.

What should I look out for?

Things can and do go wrong with our mouth, teeth and gums. Problems range from serious concerns, such as oral cancer, to cosmetic staining. Our treatments can help with routine dentistry (such as extractions and hygiene appointments), restorative care (such as in the case of dental implants) and even orthodontics (that’s braces, to you and me!).

You mentioned emergencies. How do I avoid them?

Accidents happen and infections do occur, but our Harwood dentists have put together a quick checklist of things to bear in mind when trying to keep your teeth in tip-top condition:

– Always brush and floss – two times a day, two minutes a time
– Always schedule regular dental appointments, as advised by your dentist
– Protect teeth with a mouthguard during contact sports
– Avoid too much sugar and staining products in your diet
– Quit, or cut down on, smoking and vaping

What else can I do for my smile?

Dentists often find that there are cosmetic treatments which can further enhance your smile, once other treatments are out of the way. For example, after teeth-straightening, you could consider a whitening treatment or white fillings treatment to help teeth look bright and uniform.

How do I book with your dentists?

To arrange an appointment here in Harwood Dental Care, simply get in touch with our dedicated team today. We look forward to welcoming you soon!