The Benefits of Regular Dental Visits Beyond Cleaning: A Melbourne Patient’s Guide
When it comes to caring for our dental health, it’s not as popular as we see online, although the meteoric rise of influencers with flashing white smiles and pearly teeth encouraged more people to see their dentists. Be that as it may, regular dental visits to your dentist or at Toorak dentists are much more than cleaning and checking your teeth. In today’s article, we’ll discuss the many benefits of regular dental checkups and how it goes beyond cleaning your teeth.
Early detection and prevention of dental issues.
The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” can be applied in this setting. For our part, we’re supposed to take great care of our teeth and gums by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash twice daily—but there are minuscule food particles that slip through despite our thorough cleaning. These very particles are the beginnings of tartar and plaque buildup, which leads to tooth decay, cavities, and many other oral issues. The scary thing about that is that we can’t monitor their buildup—you’ll just wake up one day nursing a dull toothache and an impromptu trip to emergency dentist Toorak for prompt treatment.
Dentists not only have the right skills, but they are also professionally trained to clean our teeth using certain tools and equipment. The yearly bi-annual dental checkup serves as the only time they can inspect our oral cavity for any problems or potential issues that may arise. Nipping them in the bud is a good way to save yourself from the pain and inconvenience of a severe toothache—and most importantly, additional expensive costs for treatments of said problem.
Gum disease prevention.
Did you know? Approximately 30% of adults in Australia suffer from gum disease, including teenagers as young as 15. It’s one of the creeping illnesses that can go from bad to worse without your noticing.
This is also an alarming condition called periodontal disease; it starts as an inflammation caused by the infection of the surrounding tissue on your teeth that can be pretty painful. During its early stages, it’s referred to as gingivitis, wherein one suffers from swollen gums that may bleed; in the worst-case scenario, it could lead to tooth loss.
Gum diseases are caused by poor brushing and flossing practices, stimulating the production of bacteria that produce a sticky film, which attacks the teeth and gums.
A lot of people take their dental health for granted; some are so busy that they forget to practice oral maintenance, while others are just too lazy. There are a lot of oral health tips for active lifestyles, but nothing beats the checkup and assessment of a dental professional. Their eyes are trained to see the beginnings of what may be gum disease. In doing so, they can already recommend a procedure to prevent the gum disease from worsening—or even developing in the first place.
Oral cancer screening.
You may not know this, but more and more cases of oral cancer are reported yearly. In 2022 alone, approximately 16.8% of men and 5.9% of women per 100,000 were diagnosed with this illness. Similar to plaque buildup, it’s also possible for oral cancer to develop without the person suffering from any symptoms, especially during its early stages. What’s worse is that by the time one starts to feel something off or develop symptoms, the illness has already progressed or may even be at a severe level by then.
By attending your regular dental checkups, your dentist can screen you for oral cancer; you may not have it, but undergoing the screening will give you peace of mind knowing your dental health is at its peak. Early detection is crucial so you and your dentist can work together on your treatment, ensuring that it’s smooth and increasing your chance of full recovery and survival.
Dental hygiene maintenance.
By now, we all know the three basics of dental maintenance: brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. However, not everyone has the same oral condition; while some get by with the usual basics, others need to undergo treatment and constant checkups with their dentist, depending on how severe their condition is.
Ultimately, each of us undergoes the usual oral prophylaxis, or professional cleaning, to remove all the built-up tartar on the surface of our teeth. Unlike us, who can only do so much with a brush and floss, they can get into every crevice to clean it thoroughly. Dentists are usually updated on the latest trends, innovations, and practices when it comes to oral health, so you can be sure that the methods they’re sharing with you are proven true and effective.
It’s also during these sessions that your dentist can advise you on what treatment, product, or even methods you should practice when caring for your oral cavity. By doing so, you’re enhancing your at-home care and improving your dental condition, allowing you to enjoy a healthier smile longer.
Overall oral health assessment.
Aside from checking the condition of your teeth and gums, they also do several other screenings and tests, like bite analysis. Many people have malocclusion or a “bad bite,” wherein their upper and lower teeth are misaligned. Some people are born with this condition, while others develop it, and it’s most common among children. Regardless of how it came to be, it’s important to address this ASAP so it doesn’t compromise your overall oral health since bad bites can only be fixed with the help of a dental professional.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is another known problem that can be dealt with by dentists. It’s characterized by pain or discomfort in the jaw joint as well as its surrounding muscles. The root of this problem often stems from teeth grinding or jaw injuries, which is why it’s crucial to attend to your dentist regularly to have it checked and treated.
With a better smile, you can also expect your oral health to be enhanced, along with your social connections. Studies show that people with great dental health are happier and more approachable, thus making it easier for them to connect with others. It’s important to remember that good oral health can significantly boost your social interaction, making life more enjoyable for you.