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A dental check-up and cleaning, commonly called a check-and-clean, are vital to oral health and general wellness. It’s true! Specific oral health issues, like gum disease, can impact many body systems, and studies now link them to maladies you may not have considered.
In this blog, your Warriewood dentist discusses the importance of booking and keeping these crucial appointments, what you can do at home to support your dental health, and the consequences of inadequate dental care.
About Your Dental Check-Up and Cleaning
A dental check-up and cleaning are your best defence against preventable conditions and specific aesthetic issues, such as:
- Tooth Decay
- Tooth Infections
- Tooth Stains/Discolouration
- Gingivitis and Gum Disease
To maintain your oral health for life, these appointments are vital.
You can expect a warm welcome and an inviting atmosphere at your dental check-up and clean in Warriewood. You’ll see the dentist for a comprehensive exam and the hygienist for a thorough teeth cleaning.
Your dental check-up includes:
- A periodontal check to measure gum health or recession
- A thorough visual exam of the teeth, gums and oral tissues
- An oral cancer screening for early diagnosis
- X-rays periodically or if we suspect an underlying issue
- A chat with the dentist about finding and potential treatment plans.
Your dental check-up may include additional preventive measures, such as dental sealants or fluoride treatment. Sealants help lock cavity-causing ingredients away from tooth enamel, while fluoride treatments strengthen teeth and enamel.
Your teeth cleaning is about removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. Your toothbrush can remove some plaque, but not in hard-to-reach areas. Removing built-up tartar requires special dental tools. Your hygienist will also answer any questions you might have, including tips for at-home care, and report any suspicious findings to the dentist.
Your dental check-up and cleaning are not painful or invasive. You may even find the dental chair relaxing.
How Often Should I See the Dentist for a Dental Check-Up and Clean in Sydney?
You should see the dentist for a dental check-up every six months. This schedule has been shown to reduce oral health complications.
However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with a dental health issue, such as gum disease, we recommend a more frequent dental cleaning and check-up schedule.
Gum disease requires ongoing care on a regular schedule to prevent complications, such as tooth loss and other issues.
Your teeth cleaning follows the same booking schedule as dental check-ups unless you’ve been diagnosed with an oral health condition, such as gingivitis or gum disease.
Your dentist will discuss a custom booking schedule with you as needed.
Remember, your dental cleaning and check-up are crucial to long-term dental health. Failing to book and keep your dental cleanings and check-up appointments can lead to tooth loss and so much more.
What Is Gum Disease and How Can I Lower My Risks
Gum disease is not the only reason to book and keep appointments for your check-up and cleaning in Sydney, but it is the most critical reason to stay current on dental check-ups and cleaning.
Gum disease is staged, and the earliest presentation is called gingivitis.
With gingivitis, you may notice bleeding gums when you brush and floss and mild gum recession. However, the signs can be subtle at first. Many people don’t even notice the oral health changes.
If your dentist does not address gingivitis, which is reversible, it advances to periodontitis. Periodontitis (or full gum disease) is treatable but no longer curable.
Gum disease symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- Recurring bad breath
- Loose and mobile teeth
- Gum recession and irritation
- Bleeding gums
You don’t have to have every symptom for a gum disease diagnosis.
Infections and inflammation in the periodontal ligaments and bones are the hallmarks of gum disease. So, your Warriewood dentist measures to reduce some of these issues to save your teeth and prevent significant complications.
Substantial evidence and studies tell us that complications of untreated gum disease may include:
- Tooth loss
- Low birth weight
- Premature labour
- Heart health issues
- Lung health issues
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- And more
By seeing the dentist regularly, you lower your risk of gum disease and allow for early diagnosis. Remember, the gingivitis stage means the issue is still curable!
Other risk factors for gum disease include genetics, tobacco use, diabetes, poor oral hygiene and other related health conditions.
How Can I Contribute to Prevention
Prevention is a group effort, and the group includes you, your dentist and a hygienist.
Every six months, we’ll see to your dental health and cleanings. The remaining months are all about you and your contributions.
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily or every time you eat.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily or every time you eat.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods/drinks that can lead to decay and more.
- Talk to us if you’re concerned about nighttime teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism).
- Wear a mouthguard if you compete in athletics.
- Call your dentist if you suspect an oral health issue, including tooth sensitivity.
If ever you have questions about dental care, including advice on dental rinses or other related products, your hygienist is happy to help.
Is It Time to Book Your Check-Up and Clean in Sydney
We want only the best for our patients and are happy to provide preventative dental care for individuals and families—we treat people of all ages.
We aim to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for one and all and educate our patients about the importance of lifelong dental care.
To book your next visit with United Dental Clinic or if you have questions for the dentist, we invite you to call our dental clinic today to get started.
At the time of this blog, we’re offering a new patient special! Ask a dental team member for the details.
Learn whether you’re eligible to budget dental treatment costs with Denticare. It’s a way to get the treatments you want—recommended or elective—without compromising your budget. Ask us for details.
Our friendly dental team anticipates your call.