Dental check-ups are essential for oral care, but how often should you have them? With some people swearing by six-monthly dental check-ups and others adamant that yearly checks are enough, it can be difficult to determine what is best for you.
Here we look at the benefits of sticking to six-monthly dental check-ups.
Prevent Decay
Tooth decay is a prevalent oral issue. This can be caused by poor oral hygiene (visit our Hammersmith hygienists), poor dietary and lifestyle choices or other health factors. Tooth decay can cause extreme pain and discomfort, leading to lack of sleep, poor concentration and bad moods. Six-monthly dental checks allow your dentist to spot decay in the early stages and prevent or minimise damage. This could be with a small filling or even some changes to oral care. The longer these issues are left, the higher the risk of painful problems and tooth extractions.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common oral disease affecting many people across the UK. Often, gum disease can be treated or prevented by improving oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily for two minutes with a good quality electric toothbrush and suitable toothpaste is essential. Flossing daily is also important for optimum oral care.
Regular dental check-ups ensure that gum disease is detected and addressed early. If gum disease progresses, it is much harder to treat and can lead to bad breath, tooth loss and inflamed bleeding gums.
Gingivitis is the early stages of gum disease, affecting the gum tissue only. If this is left untreated, the roots of teeth and even bones can deteriorate, leading to complex and painful issues. This later stage of gum disease is called periodontitis.
Cancer Detection
Lumps and lesions in the cheek or tongue and frequent oral ulcers could indicate oral cancer. These things can be spotted and assessed at a dental check-up, giving the patient the best chance of acting fast and receiving the proper referral and care. As with any form of cancer, catching it early is integral. Often, the symptoms mentioned above are not cancer-related, but it is always best to be sure.
Health and appearance of Teeth
Well-cared for teeth will look and feel healthier. This means a bright, confident smile and peace of mind. There is no downside to giving your teeth the very best care.
Contact Blyth Road Dental your Hammersmith dentists for information on our services on 020 7602 5089.
