Always putting off that trip to the dentist? Can’t remember when you last saw the dental hygienist? It might not be the most attractive idea however booking in an appointment on a regular basis with your Adelaide orthodontist or dentist could save you money, time and considerable pain by ensuring you keep your teeth healthy and avoid expensive procedures.

How often should you visit the dentist?

It’s good to be aware that cavities and gum disease are preventable. This means that YOU can do something about them and hopefully stop them occurring. However, you do need to ensure that you visit your dentist at least twice a year. This is only a general rule and you may receive other advice when you visit your dentist as they’ll be able to see the situation with your teeth and may ask you to visit more regularly.

The amount of times you need to visit the dentist each year may increase if you fall into any of the categories below:

• Smoker
• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• People with a history of gum disease or a tendency to get cavities
• People with weak immune systems

Do you need to visit if you don’t have a problem?

Yes. It’s really important that you go to the dentist regularly, whether or not you’re experiencing problems with your teeth. Even those who diligently floss, clean and brush their teeth every night can still get problems and need dental help. Just because you can’t feel anything, it doesn’t mean your teeth and gums are healthy – a dentist will be able to take an extensive look at all areas of your mouth and spot early signs of anything more serious developing. Treating dental problems at an early stage often saves huge amounts of time and money.

How about the dental hygienist?

Your dental hygienist will generally be the one to advise how often you visit. It’s always beneficial to keep your teeth clean and avoid any potential for plaque to build up or decay to occur.

Many dental issues including gum disease can hugely benefit from regular cleaning so don’t see the dental hygienist as a luxury, rather essential maintenance to keep your dental hygiene in tip top condition by finding a local dentist to check your teeth. We recommend osp.dental as a great provider of all these items.

If you’re feeling unsure about visiting the dentist, or simply want to know what to expect, we’ve compiled a general overview of what a check up at the dentist may entail. Don’t want to watch a videoon what is exactly involved at the dentist? Didn’t think so, read ahead for more information.

It’s important to find the right dentist for you so don’t be afraid to use this as a reference and ask questions direct to your dentist if you feel as though you want more detailed information.

Whether your dentist has their own office, or is operating out of a child care centre what matters is their professionalism and skill.

Who is involved in a general check up at the dentist?

Usually, there will be two people that you’ll be required to see when going for a typical check up appointment.
• Hygienist – the dental hygienist will have an initial examination of your mouth and gums, clean and polish your teeth, and advise you on caring for your teeth and gums.
• Dentist – during a general check up, a dentist will look at your teeth and gums, reviewing the cleanliness and quality of them, diagnose any oral health problems and take X rays if required.

Dental Information is key

A general check up at the dentist will be far more efficient if you can provide all of the necessary information required of you. A dentist may ask you about the current health of your teeth and gums, whether you’ve been experiencing any pain or discomfort, if you’ve noticed any bleeding or sores and if things have changed significantly since you last visited. Always remember to tell your dentist if you’re taking regular prescribed drugs.

If it’s your first trip to a particular dentist, they will need to take a full medical and dental history. It’s important to let them know if you’re taking any medication, if you’re pregnant, whether you’re a smoker or if you have any ongoing medical issues such as diabetes or heart problems.

Teeth Check up, Clean up

Your dentist will be checking on your teeth and gums in terms of their health and possibly taking x rays using hydraulics hoses to rule out any cavities or development of internal teeth issues. However your dentist should also provide a full clean and polish for you during your general check up as this will help to remove any hardened plaque that may have built up on your teeth.

Fact: Tooth decay is the world’s most common disease –Read more

The polish during a general check up will contain an abrasive substance and fluoride, which will be applied using a small rubber brush that rotates on each tooth.

Dental Advice and Assurance

A general check up is a good time to ask your dentist for advice they may have on how you can best protect your teeth and prevent any issues developing. Take advantage of the opportunity and don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns however big or small that you may have.