On the list of things that give adults a sense of apprehension is dental appointments. While they are absolutely necessary for the continued health of your teeth and gums, nobody wants to go to a dentist only to find out that there is some new problem that needs treatment to be resolved—treatment that could be potentially painful. The unfortunate truth here is that, even if you floss and brush as dentists prescribe, you will eventually need professional care.
What I Need to Know About Dental Check-Ups
Dentists recommend check-ups twice a year—every six months. If you have other preexisting conditions or are undergoing other treatments, you might require more frequent visits.
One of the first examinations formed during a dental check-up is to find tooth decay and gum disease. The professional will evaluate the overall health of your mouth through a visual examination, perform a head and neck examination, and look for the signs of oral cancer, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies.
Your dentist might also examine your face, bite, saliva, and the movement of your lower jaw joints. After that, they will perform a cleaning to remove any layers of plaque that have built up.
Plaque and tartar, specifically, are areas of concern. Tartar can build up in a very short time if people fail to brush and floss as recommended between visits. The buildup of tartar, for example, might even cause gum disease if it accumulates between the tooth and gums.
The Different Procedures
The many steps of the dental check-up proceed as follows:
- The head and neck examination begins with a close inspection of the face and neck. The lymph nodes are then checked, along with the lower jaw joints.
- The clinical dental examination, on the other hand, begins with inspecting the gums for signs of gum disease, checking for loose teeth, and looking at the tissues inside your mouth. After that, the tongue and bite are checked. Visual evidence of tooth decay is identified, as well as broken teeth and damaged fillings. Changes in the gums are also evaluated, as well as a check on any dental appliances in your teeth. The contact between teeth is also examined, and one or two x-rays might be performed.
- The dental cleanup starts with the removal of any plaque and tartar and the polishing of your teeth. Your teeth will also be flossed, and the dentist will conclude this step by telling you about brushing and flossing techniques.
Once these steps have been finished, the dentist will give you a detailed report of the health of your teeth and gums. Should any issues be discovered, they might recommend that additional steps and treatments be taken to address them before they become serious.
Final thoughts
Oral health is often under-prioritised in the list of our concerns, especially since people think brushing is enough. While nobody can keep up perfectly with their oral health regimen at all times, that is exactly the reason you should go in for regular dental check-ups.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Milton Keynes, set an appointment with us at Claydon Dental MK. We are an award-winning dental clinic that provides the highest standard of dental treatment.