Should you visit the Dentist for a Check Up & Clean?

Maintaining good oral hygiene through at-home practices like brushing, flossing, and minimising sugar intake is crucial. However, regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist are essential for achieving optimal oral health.

Good oral health is a crucial part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, helping to avoid dental issues such as tooth decay, cavities and gum disease.

In this article, we’ll explain what a dental checkup involves and why you should visit Commercial Road Dental for a checkup & clean.

What is a Dental Checkup?

A dental checkup, also known as a dental examination or dental check-in, is a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health conducted by a professional dentist.

During this appointment, your Adelaide dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth to assess the overall condition.

They will look for any signs of dental issues, including cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or other oral health concerns.

Why is a Dental Checkup Important?

Regular dental checkups are important for several reasons:

• Prevention: Early detection of dental issues can prevent them from getting worse. Identifying problems like cavities or gum disease in their early stages allows for simpler and less costly treatments.
• Oral Health Maintenance: Regular checkups help maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of dental diseases. Your dentist can provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your needs.
• Avoiding Complicated and Costly Treatments: Ignoring dental checkups may lead to more complex and expensive treatments down the line, such as crowns, implants, or root canals.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Dentists also check for signs of oral cancer during these appointments, increasing early detection and improving survival rates.

What’s Included in a Dental Checkup?

A standard dental checkup usually encompasses the following components:

• Comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
• X-rays, if deemed necessary, to uncover hidden issues.
• Professional cleaning to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup.
• Evaluation of your bite and jaw alignment.
• Discussion of any concerns or potential treatment options.
• Guidance on maintaining proper at-home oral care routines.

Dental Checkup Vs Dental Clean

While a dental checkup includes an examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, a dental clean focuses primarily on removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth.

During a dental clean, a dentist or hygienist will use special tools to remove these deposits, followed by polishing to make your teeth shine.

Both checkups and cleans are essential components of maintaining oral health, and they often happen during the same appointment.

How Much is a Dental Check-Up and Clean?

The cost of a dental checkup and clean can vary depending on where you live and whether or not you have dental insurance.

Many private health insurance policies that include dental benefits offer two checkups and cleans a year with no out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important to review your policy details to know what is covered. If you don’t have dental insurance that covers this service, the cost for a standard checkup and clean can vary. You can contact Commercial Road dentist for a quote.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist for a Checkup?

It depends a lot on your disease risk, but generally, visiting the dentist every six months can help save you a lot of time, money and discomfort in the future. Regular checkups and cleans can help identify and address issues in their early stages, potentially saving you from more extensive and expensive treatments later.

If you’re experiencing dental issues or concerns, we recommend you visit your dentist for as soon as possible.

Commercial Road dentists may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific oral health concerns or conditions that require closer monitoring.

Additionally, they provide the opportunity for your dentist to offer personalised guidance on maintaining good oral health and minimising the risk of dental problems.

The Importance of Maintaining Good Oral Health

Apart from regular dental checkups and cleanings, it’s crucial to maintain good oral health habits at home.

In addition to visiting your dentist for a regular dental checkup and clean, here are some tips you can follow to keep your oral health in good condition:

• Proper Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging your gums and tooth enamel. Brush for two minutes each time, making sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth.
• Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline. Make it a daily habit to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Use Mouthwash: Consider using an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce bacteria and strengthen tooth enamel. Speak to your dentist for recommendations tailored to your needs.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products will help to maintain good oral health. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, which can lead to tooth decay and erosion.
• Limit Snacking: Frequent snacking – especially sugary snacks – can increase the risk of cavities. If you snack, choose tooth-friendly options like fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria from your mouth.
•  Avoid Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Quitting tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your oral health.
• Protect Your Teeth: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury or damage. Your dentist can provide more information on mouthguards or night guards.
• Change Your Toothbrush Regularly: Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.
• Limit Alcohol and Coffee: Excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee can stain your teeth. Rinse with water after consuming them, and consider using a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.
• Manage Stress: High stress levels can lead to teeth grinding and clenching (a condition known as bruxism). Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing to protect your teeth from excessive wear.

Regular dental checkups and cleans are essential for maintaining good oral health. During appointments at Commercial Road Dental, you will receive a thorough examination, professional cleaning, and guidance on how to maintain good oral hygiene. By scheduling regular checkups, you can prevent dental issues, avoid more complex treatments, and improve your overall well-being.

Remember, regular dental visits combined with proper at-home care are the key to a healthy and confident smile. Need to visit your dentist in Adelaide for a checkup and clean? Contact Commercial Road Dental now.