Has it been a while since you last visited the dentist?
Most of us know we should be visiting our dentist twice a year, but the reality is that some of us don’t quite make it as often as we should.
Don’t worry, we get it. We understand the juggling act of daily life and how easy it may be to forget about looking after your teeth.
But here’s the thing – there’s more to those dental checkups than meets the eye. There’s a reason your dentist wants to see your pearly whites regularly.
It’s called preventative dentistry.
Here we discuss preventative dentistry and explain why your regular visits to Lillybrook Dental are the key to keeping your smile healthy and happy for the long term.
What is preventative dentistry?
Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria. While most of these bacteria are harmless- some even good, others can be damaging to your teeth and gums. If you’re not regularly looking after your oral health, these harmful bacteria can, in time, cause tooth decay and gum disease.
These conditions may start small, but can quickly escalate into bigger, more painful problems. Before you know it, you could be looking at expensive dental bills and maybe even the dreaded possibility of losing a tooth.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dental troubles.
The best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease is to look after your oral hygiene. This involves a combination of factors including, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, eating a balanced diet and coming in to visit your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleans.
These regular check-ups, the visits to your dentist before you have a problem, are called preventative dentistry.
Your oral health and preventative dentistry go hand in hand.
Regular dental visits are our early warning system, allowing us to spot and address dental issues before they develop into more significant concerns. It’s all about staying one step ahead of potential dental problems by taking proactive measures.
By looking after your oral hygiene through preventative care we aim to reduce your risk of common dental problems like gum disease, cavities, worn enamel, tooth sensitivity and many more. This also allows us to find areas where your home oral hygiene routines may be lacking and offer advice for improvements.
What does a regular dental visit involve?
Regular dental check-ups are our chance to take a close look at your oral health, searching for any potential problems. We’re on the hunt for signs of plaque buildup, gum disease, tooth decay, and even the earliest indications of oral cancers.
If you have dental restorations like fillings, crowns, or dental implants, your regular checkups allow us to check their durability and functionality. Your dentist can identify any signs of wear or damage and address them.
If necessary, you might have an X-ray, so that we can get a clearer picture of what’s happening beneath the surface.
Your regular visit will also likely include a scaling and cleaning treatment. These treatments help to remove any hardened plaque from your teeth, providing a clean that your home toothbrush routine just can’t match. Following this your dentist may also polish your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to help protect you from developing cavities.
How often should you see the dentist?
The answer to this question isn’t as clear-cut as you might expect. At Lillybrook Dental, we typically recommend our patients come in for a dental checkup every six months. This biannual schedule provides us with an opportunity to thoroughly assess your oral health, perform necessary cleanings, and catch any issues before they become major concerns.
However, it’s important to recognise that each person’s oral health needs can vary, and some may benefit from more frequent visits. The best approach for you may differ from the standard recommendation.
Your dentist will work with you to determine the ideal frequency of dental visits based on your specific needs and circumstances. Don’t hesitate to discuss your unique situation with your dentist to establish the most suitable schedule to keep your smile at its best.
How Lillybrook Dental can help
At Lillybrook Dental, we’re not just here to fix problems but to help you prevent them. We aim to keep your smile shining bright for the long term.
While some may avoid going to the dentist until they have a problem like pain or discolouration, please believe us when we say, prevention is better than cure. Our best advice for great oral health is simple. Instead of skipping dental visits, embrace them and save yourself potential pain in the long run.
If you have any questions about preventative dental care, feel free to contact our team at Lillybrook Dental or book your next appointment here.
Don’t let life’s busy schedule keep you from caring for your teeth. Your smile deserves some love!
*All information is general and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Lillybrook Dental can consult with you to confirm which treatment is right for you.
