How important are dental checkups?
According to recent research presented by dentistry.co.uk, the main magazine for the UK dental profession, more people under 34 are opting to visit the dentist for cosmetic procedures rather than a check up. If you’ve never had problems with your teeth, is it OK to skip your six month check up? Have you found yourself wondering if saying “ahh” is really worth the hassle? Let’s take a closer look a just why regular dental visits are highly recommended.
Out of sight, out of mind
As the old adage goes, out of sight is out of mind. The problem when it comes to our teeth is that an awful lot is out of sight. Even with the help of mirrors, you can only properly see a relatively small proportion of your own teeth and gums. You may think that everything looks great when you smile and be content to leave it at that, but things may be happening that you cannot see. If you only see the dentist when symptoms develop, it may just be too late and leave you requiring dental treatment that is both costly and uncomfortable. Attending a regular dental checkup means that every tooth will be carefully examined, as well as your gums, so that nothing is missed.
A trained eye
Even if you were able to examine your teeth fully, would you know what you were looking at? It is important to remember that dentists are highly trained to recognise signs of tooth and gum disease at the earliest stages – even when they may be completely unnoticeable to the untrained eye. This means that they can treat the problem early and prevent it from becoming an issue that requires more extensive treatment.
More than just your teeth
Did you know that going to the dentist is not just about your teeth? Dentists are trained to recognise early symptoms of oral cancer, which has been proven to considerably increase survival rates among those diagnosed with this deadly disease. Dentists can also recognise symptoms of gum disease, which can cause bad breath (halitosis), receding gums and even tooth failure. In addition, gum disease is now known to have wider health implications and may increase your risk of developing other, more serious illnesses.
Helpful advice
Do you know if you are really brushing your teeth effectively? Are there other things you can do to help keep your teeth in the best possible condition? Your dentist and hygienist are the best possible people to advise you on how to maintain good oral hygiene. They are always happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have, and can help you to introduce changes to make regime even more effective, taking into account personal factors such as your lifestyle. Remember – prevention is always better than cure!
Always up to date
As individuals, we tend to do the things we’ve always done and believe what we’ve always believed – including many a dental myth. British dentists are among the best in the world. Not only are they trained to the highest of standards, they are also committed to ensuring they constantly update their knowledge and skills. This means that by visiting the dentist regularly, you will benefit from always having your teeth checked by someone with the most current and correct information and techniques.
To book a checkup now or enquire about becoming a member of Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic in Derby, call our friendly team today on 01332 916 351.
Posted by Bridge Dental and Implant Clinic on 25th September 2018, under Dental Check-Ups