Routine Dental Care

Routine Dental Care

A trip to the dentist can often cause much anxiety and apprehension. However, as the popular saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’ and it’s important to have routine dental care check-ups. Not only do they complement your general oral hygiene, but they can also help to detect various dental issues in the early stages and will help to maintain your smile.

What does a routine dental check-up involve?

There is nothing to worry about when it comes to attending a routine check-up. Our dentists will make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible, and it usually doesn’t take as long as you expect.

If it’s your first visit, a complete health history will need to be taken. For repeat patients, the appointment will start with a few questions about your general health and any problems you’ve had since your last visit.

We’ll ask about your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth cleaning habits at each routine dental checkup, too – making sure you understand the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and flossing at regular intervals to prevent plaque buildup.

The dentist will then thoroughly examine your teeth, gums and mouth (including your cheeks and tongue) for any problems. They may advise you to see a hygienist for cleaning of your teeth and gums, either routinely, or if they detect gum problems.

An X-ray of your teeth may also be taken, allowing the dentist to see the exact position of your teeth in the jawline and making it easier to detect cavities and any other underlying issues.

Why are routine dental visits important?

Frequent dental checkups are vital if you’re to keep your mouth healthy.

By visiting your dentist regularly, they can see if you have any dental problems, including (but not limited to) gum disease, tooth decay, cavities or oral cancer.

Leaving oral health problems untreated could make it more difficult for your dentist to treat them in the future, and you may need to access emergency dental care or undergo dental surgery. Therefore, it’s better to detect problems early on or, if possible, prevent them altogether by attending routine checkups and following your dentist’s advice.

How often are routine checkups required?

After attending a routine dental care appointment, the dentist will discuss a date for your next visit.

Depending on your age and overall health, this could be as short as 3 months or as long as 2 years.

For example, the lower your risk of developing dental problems, the longer you can wait before you book your next check-up. This means that patients with good oral health can usually schedule appointments every 12-24 months.

Anyone with underlying health conditions or at greater risk of further problems in later life will require more frequent checks. This often includes children and pregnant women.