How regularly are you visiting a dentist? There are many people that only go for a dental treatment when they are in pain, but in many cases, most problems can be prevented by attending regular dental check-ups.
If you have had a lapse in your dental care, let us talk you through why regular appointments with your dentist are so important.
They can prevent oral health problems
Whilst dentists help to solve problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, we believe that prevention is always better than the need for a cure. You may look at your teeth in the mirror at least twice a day, but a lot more may be going on in your mouth than you realise. Dentists can spot potential problems before it becomes a painful problem, so be sure to attend check-ups at least once every six months to catch any issues early before they have the chance to become a problem.
They check for oral cancer
You may think that dentists are only there to look at your teeth and gums, but one of the most important reasons for going to regular appointments is that your dentist carries out checks for oral cancers.
Dentists are trained to recognise signs and symptoms associated with different forms of mouth cancer, as well as head and neck cancers. They will look for signs such as red or white patches in the mouth, as well as checking for lumps on your neck and head. Most of the time, your dentist will find nothing out of the ordinary, but getting checked for oral cancer more than once a year could potentially save your life.
They help keep your teeth and gums clean
Not only do dentists provide advice for brushing, flossing and generally looking after your teeth, dental hygienists can professionally clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar that is missed by regular tooth brushing. As plaque builds up, it gets harder to remove and solidifies into tartar. At this stage, you need professional help to get rid of it and prevent the onset of tooth decay and cavities.
You can learn about cosmetic and specialist treatments
Without visiting the dentist, you may not know about other treatments that could help you to be much happier with your smile. For example, your dentist can help you with cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, as well as discreet orthodontic treatments to straighten your teeth, or even treatments to help prevent snoring and sleep apnoea.
By talking to your dentist about any dental problems you are experiencing, they can talk you through the best solutions.
Dentists help keep bad habits in check
There are many habits that can have a negative effect on your oral health that your dentist will look for signs of. By informing you about how certain destructive habits can affect your teeth and gums, particularly ones that you may not have been aware of the effects of, you can stand to change your lifestyle choices and improve your oral health.
If you have not been for a dental check-up recently, there’s no time like the present to book an appointment. If you are based in south west London, call Riverside Dental Spa today on 020 7091 0677 and we will be happy to help.
