Dental hygiene is necessary just like any other part of the body, however, general check-ups from a dentist is still not a popular phenomenon among the general public. There is a common notion that the need to visit a dentist occurs only if you have a severe dental issue such as a toothache or you need the beautification of your teeth. People usually think that they need to see a dentist only for oral diseases and not for teeth and gum health.
Importance of Regular Dental Visits
A survey by The Australian Dental Association showed that 65% of people have not seen a dentist in two years while 16% don’t have the opportunity to visit a dentist. Prof. David Manton, Chair of the Australian Oral Health Committee, emphasises the importance of maintaining oral health through regular dental visits and be proactive about our dental hygiene.
There are certain factors involved pertaining to the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, swollen gums, tooth fillings, fractured teeth and many more. The fact that high-risk patients need more frequent visits than low-risk patients is determined on the basis of potential risk factors identified by a dentist.
Reasons to have a Dental Visit
As discussed earlier, dental visits on a regular basis is an essential activity for everyone regardless of age. There are various benefits associated with dental check-ups that can keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong for a long time.
1. Pain Free Dentist Techniques
Earlier, dental treatments were considered to be frightening as the techniques were contemporary. Nowadays, dentists use technologically advanced tools and techniques such as sleep dentistry, IV sedation, local anaesthetics, invisible braces, invisible aligners, dentures and many others. The simple and pain free dental processes motivate people to have regular dental check-ups. As people can recover quickly from these advanced procedures and feel less pain, therefore, they can avoid any potential dental problems in the future. They can get fast and efficient treatments with such new painless techniques.
2. Early Diagnosis of Oral Diseases
Regular visits to your dentist ensure early detection of any potential dental risk. People usually ignore their oral hygiene and they just consider brushing their teeth as the only way to keep your oral hygiene intact. This carelessness can also lead to emergency dental such as abscess, endodontic, dental implant, and severe infection. However, it is a rarely known fact that dental problems can also lead to bigger diseases such as dementia in elderly, diabetes, osteoporosis and many more. Therefore, it is important to consider a dental visit every few moths as guided by your dentist to identify any risks involved.
3. Irregular Eating Habits
Nowadays our food mostly comprises of fast food, packed, tinned or inorganic food. We also seldom adopt healthy food options which can lead to various dental health problems such as tartar, swollen or bleeding gums and cavities. Simple brushing habit is not food enough to keep your teeth healthy. Hence, it is advisable to pay a visit to the dentist regularly.
4. Dental Services Available Round the Year
There are many dentists open 7 days a week so you can decide what day and time is most suitable according to your schedule. Weekends are also available with many dentists, that way you can plan a family visit when everyone is free from work or school. If you are a busy person and cannot take out the time for a dental check up then you can look for special dental offers that occur on special occasions. There are a few dentists open on public holidays like Easter, Christmas and even New Years Eve. Thus, it can be a good time for your dental check-up for when you are too busy around the year. In fact, it can be the right time to have a detailed check up since there are less patients and the doctor can examine your problems in detail.
5. Dental Beautification also needs Maintenance
Dental beautification has gained popularity in recent years as it has developed interest among the people to pay a visit to dentists. Now people look for a cosmetic dentist for various treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, dentures, braces, inlays and outlays etc. all such treatments allow people to enhance their self-esteem as their smile can indicate their oral hygiene. Hence, even for cosmetic dentistry, you need to pay regular dental visits which will help you maintain your oral hygiene.
6. Dental Check-up for Children
Children are most vulnerable to dental issues since they have a lot of eating disorders. They consume various types of unhygienic food such as sweets, lollies, ice cream, juices which can damage their teeth at an early age. Hence, making regular dental visits every 6 months also ensure your children to have healthy teeth. The best time to take children to a dentist is during school holidays as they are free from studies burden and are also having irregular food habits. You can always find a dentist open on school holidays and can even get discounts on such occasions.
7. Financial Benefit of Regular Check-ups
Although dental treatments are considered to be expensive, it is advisable to meet your dentist on a regular interval of 6 months. Various dental treatments cost much higher whereas a general check up would cost a fraction. Thus, if you are diagnosed with a major dental issue at some stage, it would be more expensive than paying for a regular dental visit every 6 months.
8. Finding Your Regular Dentist
It is important to have a personal dentist who has your dentistry record. It not only helps you to ease up about your dental problems, but also makes your visits less hectic. You can have a dentist that is within your area. Nowadays you can find a dentist in different suburbs at different timings.
9. Dental Hygiene for Long Term
Frequent dental check-ups ensure the protection of your teeth against potential oral diseases and can prolong the tooth life. It is especially beneficial when one reaches an old age and teeth start to weaken due to age or any other bodily diseases.
10. Sleep Recovery
Dental check-ups can also assist you in having a good night sleep. Sleep apnoea is a common issue that occurs due to pauses in breathing. Your dentist can diagnose this issue and can recommend a good specialist to cater to this problem. Otherwise, you might not be able to recognise this problem on your own.
Considering the risks involved with oral hygiene and the irregularities in our oral care and eating habits, it is vital to note that regular dental visits every 6 months is a feasible option for dental health maintenance in the long run.