What is a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup can be defined as the complete examination and maintenance of your oral health at regular time intervals for healthy teeth and your smile. Regular dental checkups can help you with many dental problems and maintenance of your oral health. Let’s see its importance, what is included, visit frequency, and its worth.
Why do Routine Dental Checkups and What are the Benefits?
Early Detection of Dental Problems
Certain dental problems like tooth decay, progressive gum diseases, and even oral cancer are not noticeable by normal people in the early stages because the disease gradually progresses. So, when you regularly go for dental checkups, such dental problems or diseases can be diagnosed and treated early. That’s how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy.
There’s a famous quote,
“Prevention is Better than Cure.”
So, visit your dentist for dental checkups regularly.
Deep Cleaning of Teeth
On routine dental checkups, the dentist may clean your teeth with a Scaling and polishing procedure by removing hardened calculus on the teeth if required, to protect your teeth from cavities and gums from gum disease. A deep cleaning helps you avoid cavities and gum disease.
Oral Health Education and Awareness
Another essential aspect of a dental checkup is awareness of oral health. Many dental problems patients face because of bad oral hygiene practices in daily oral hygiene like incorrect brushing and flossing methods, as well as other traumatic oral habits. The Dentists may teach you and make you aware of how you can maintain your oral health with best practices.
Detection of Systemic Diseases
Many oral conditions may be signs of a systemic disease, like bad breath; bad breath mostly occurs due to poor oral hygiene; however, it can also be noticed in lung disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. So if any oral condition is linked with a systemic disease it can be easily detected.
Save your Teeth, Gums, and Money
As we mentioned many oral diseases can’t be detected in their early stages, so if you go for regular dental checkups may help you to save your teeth, and gums from disease and that’s how you save money on expensive dental treatments.
What is included in a Dental Checkup?
You can expect your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and other oral parts of your mouth. This examination may include checking cavities, gum health, and any existing dental work like restoration, crown, etc. Dentists may also perform a professional cleaning to remove tartar buildup if required, which can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental checkups also include X-rays for radiographic diagnosis and confirmation of clinical diagnosis. X-rays help know the status of impacted teeth, bone loss, or abscesses, and further treatment plans. So, such procedures are an important part of a dental checkup.
How Often Do I Need a Dental Check-up?
People frequently ask how often they should schedule a dental checkup. As a dentist, I recommend you visit your dentist at least every six months or twice a year for a routine dental checkup and teeth cleaning.
However, this frequency of dental checkups may vary based on individuals’ oral health conditions because certain people require more frequent visits for follow-ups, for any dental problem or any other reasons. For example, people with gum disease or a history of cavities may require frequent visits for the follow-up or maintenance of oral health.
Are Dental Checkups Worth It?
What do you think, Are Dental Checkups Worth it? My answer is a big yes because investing in regular dental checkups can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. By addressing issues early on, you can avoid more extensive and costly treatments down the line. Moreover, maintaining good oral health is essential for your overall well-being, as oral health is closely linked to systemic health.
In conclusion, as a dentist, I can say that regular dental checkups are crucial for good oral health. You should prioritize routine dental checkups for preventive care and stay proactive about your dental health, so you can enjoy a healthy smile for years to come and save money in the long run. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so, don’t forget your routine dental checkups every six months or twice a year. Share this informative article to your friends and family to make them aware.
