Why Should You Go For A Regular Check-up?
Regular dental check-ups are essential – most dentists recommend you have a check-up at least twice a year. That can seem like a lot – but it’s well worth it.
Think about how often you go to the doctor’s office – it should be at least once a year for a routine check-up. So why do dentists recommend you come to visit at least twice a year? And what can dentists diagnose during a check-up that doctors can’t? We’ll answer these questions – and more – in this article.
Let’s dive in:
Check-ups and cleanings go hand-in-hand
When you go for your dental check-up, you’ll also get a dental cleaning. These cleanings are the main reason you’ll want a check-up every 6 months – a cleaning every 6 months is best for most patients.
Why? Well, plaque can quickly build into tartar. Tartar leads to a whole host of problems, from inflammation in the gums to a higher likeliness of developing cavities. It can’t be cleaned off by regular brushing and flossing, so it needs to be handled by a dental hygienist.
As you can imagine, clearing off all of that tartar makes the check-up portion of the visit much easier. Once it’s all removed, any cavities or other abnormalities will be more visible to the dentist. Check-ups and cleanings go hand-in-hand!
What can a dentist find during a check-up?
All sorts of things! The most common conditions that a dentist will spot during a check-up include cavities and gum inflammation – commonly known as gingivitis. Fortunately, both of these conditions are relatively simple to treat, and your dentist can give you a treatment plan on the spot.
There are other problems your dentist can spot during a check-up, too. Your dentist may be able to tell you if you need a root canal or if there are signs of even more serious problems, like oral cancer or diabetes. Regular dental check-ups are incredibly important because your dentist can spot health problems that your physician may not be able to.
Do I really need a check-up twice a year?
Most people do want to get a check-up twice a year. Your dentist may conduct a physical examination of your mouth, perform x-rays, and use other diagnostic tools to check your oral health. Plus, you’ll get a teeth cleaning!
Some people might, however, be told they only need an exam once a year. If that’s you, you should be proud of yourself – it probably means you’ve kept a great oral health routine and that your mouth is quite healthy. In other words, you’ll need cleanings less often! But even if you take excellent care of your teeth, you may still need exams twice a year – genetics do play a factor in oral health.
Need a check-up?
Schedule one with us today! Our clinic is currently accepting new patients. We’re Kingsway Dental Centre in Edmonton – we look forward to helping you improve your oral health!
