There are many reasons why patients should visit the dentist regularly. Not only are regular cleanings important, but so is checking for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and more.
Many people forget that the state of their oral health directly impacts their overall health too. If signs of issues are caught early enough, they can be reversed, but the first step in determining if there are issues in the first place is by booking a dental checkup.
Regular Dental Visits Prevent Problems
Your dentist will recommend that you visit them every six months in order to undergo an examination, have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar buildup, and check for oral cancer and any warning signs of problems to come or that can be reversed. Depending on any issues that are found, your dentist may recommend dental appointments more frequently than every six months.
Early signs of oral cancer or gum disease are easily treatable and painless but will require patients to put in the hard work at home too. This is why it’s important to undergo dental checkups. If problems are caught, they can worsen very quickly.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Mouth sores that don’t go away/heal
- Persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing/chewing
- Persistent mouth pain
- Lumps on cheeks or neck
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Numbness on tongueNumbness on tongue
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Persistent bad breath
- Red, tender and swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus pockets on the gum tissue
- Receding gums
- Gums that bleed easily (especially after brushing or flossing)
A Dental Hygienist Removes Plaque and Tartar Buildup
During your regular dental cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will perform the cancer screening and professional cleaning. This cleaning process is incredibly important for your teeth and gums to remain in mint condition. The steps will involve:
- Scaling – This is when you’ll hear and feel scraping but it should never be painful. This small, hooked metal tool helps remove plaque (the sticky, white film on and around your teeth) and tartar (the hard deposit that forms if plaque is not removed that will also cause discolouration).
- Polishing – This step will help remove stains from the surface of your teeth. It’s done with a small drill with a rubber cup that is dipped in a paste flavour of your choice.
- Flossing – Flossing will be done to remove any leftover debris between your teeth.
- Fluoride Treatment – A high concentration of fluoride will be placed in moulds that will fit on your teeth for a few minutes. Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Develop A Health At-Home Oral Hygiene Routine
While regular dental visits will help you keep your pearly whites healthy, it’s essential that you follow a proper at-home oral care routine to further protect your teeth and gums. Dentists highly recommend brushing your teeth twice daily – once in the morning and once in the evening – followed by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash once a day in order to prevent plaque buildup and cavities. It’s also recommended to use fluoride-based toothpaste. If you’re not sure which toothpaste or mouthwash is best for you, your dentist can recommend some, particularly if you have a specific dental issue (sensitive teeth, gums, etc.)
Do You Have Dental Anxiety?
Having anxiety can affect how often you have dental checkups. Your dentist is used to this and completely understands which is why many dental offices offer sedation as a way to calm their patients and be able to treat them comfortably. Century Stone Dental’s team, for example, offers nitrous oxide and IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, will leave you feeling giddy and stress-free while still being able to answer questions about your oral health. The gas is administered through a mask and removed as soon as your appointment is over, allowing you to feel back to normal in no time and be able to drive home safely.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered intravenously. You’ll be in a semi-awake state and closely monitored throughout your treatment. You may still feel a little groggy afterwards, so it’s best to have someone drive you home.
IV sedation is administered intravenously. You’ll be in a semi-awake state and closely monitored throughout your treatment. You may still feel a little groggy afterwards, so it’s best to have someone drive you home.
Book Your Next Dental Visit Today
Regular dental visits are highly recommended in order to combat any major health issue and to reverse the early stages of things like gum disease, the leading cause of missing teeth in adults. If you brush and floss daily, you’re already on the right track towards a healthier mouth and smile, however, you still need dental professionals to remove tartar buildup from your teeth since you do not have the proper tools to do so at home.
Don’t let your dental health go downhill. Book your next dental visit today for an examination and teeth cleaning with our team in Hamilton. We also provide sedation dentistry services for those who are anxious about their dental visit.
He’s completed a number of additional courses to best serve his patients and be able to educate them too. No matter your age or dental condition Dr. Sims can assist you in a professional manner and loves answering any of your questions or concerns.
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