Dental Check-ups: What You May Not Know
Posted on: 10 February 2015
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Dental check-ups are important and should never be missed or delayed. This is the only time when the dentist gets to evaluate your teeth, gums and mouth to see if there are any oral health concerns. Among other things, the dentist will check for plaque, damaged teeth, teeth wear, signs of tooth decay or gum disease and if there are any pits that need filling. However, there's more to dental check-ups than you may know. Read on to find out.
Give your dentist as much information as possible
During a consultation, the dentist will ask you questions to get a rough idea of how well you're looking after your teeth. This does not just center on brushing and flossing. It also pertains to your diet and consumption of alcohol and any other drugs. It's therefore best to divulge as much information as possible. For, example, if you have picked up a habit of snacking or smoking, let your dentist know so that they can look out for any effects that may come about as a result. Also, if you have any concerns at all, no matter how slight, let your dentist know. This could be anything from sore gums to jaw discomfort. It could be the tell-tale sign of a bigger problem that the dentist needs to know about.
Time between check-ups may vary
Time duration between dental check-ups are not cast in stone; they can vary. Your dentist may want to see you again after three months, while previously you had to wait after a whole year. Usually, the dentist will evaluate the condition of your teeth to determine how soon he or she needs to carry out another check. If you haven't been taking very good care of your teeth, your dentist may schedule another visit after about six months or so. Also, if you have an ongoing condition that the dentist is keeping track of, you may need to return for a check-up after a few months. However, if your teeth are well cleaned with no signs of plaque build-up or any diseases, you dentist can set the next visit 12-24 months away. Of course, if you have any concerns between then, you should get in touch with your dentist immediately.
If your teeth need any work done, the dentist will schedule another visit when you can get the respective treatment. This can be filling the teeth, cleaning plaque, extracting a decayed tooth, or any other procedure you may be in need of. However, if your dentist gives you a clean bill of health, you only need to make another visit during the next scheduled check-up. For more information, contact a business such as Bright Smile Dental Clinic.