Recent statistics show that nearly half of Australians aged 15 and older visited a dentist in the last 12 months, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. For those who avoided or delayed a trip to their local dentists, costs or fear were often contributing factors. At Boon Dental, we firmly believe that regular dental check ups and cleanings are critical for healthy teeth, gums and mouths.
What Does A Dental Check Up And Cleaning Include?
Dental check ups are key to detecting problems early and maintaining a perfect smile. When you visit with our friendly, caring staff, please expect a complete examination. Your dental check up and cleaning will include:
- A thorough cleaning: Using special instruments, one of our experienced dental hygienists will carefully remove plaque and tartar that has built up around your teeth —but don’t worry! This process is painless. Next, they’ll carefully brush and floss your teeth.
- A comprehensive dental examination: To look for signs of gum disease, oral cancers, cavities and other problems, our dentist will closely look at your teeth, tongue, gums and the insides of your mouth.
- X-rays: If this is your first visit to our office, we’ll likely take a few x-rays of your teeth. X-rays can show problems typically not visible to the naked eye, such as a decayed or impacted tooth, damage to jawbones, chronic dental abscesses, cysts or tumours.
Topical fluoride application: Dentists will apply a stronger concentration of the topical fluoride following a good cleaning of your teeth. Topical fluoride will strengthen the teeth via the remineralisation process and will reduce the risk of developing tooth decay.
Why A Regular Dental Check up And Clean Is So Important
Good oral health is vital to your overall health and well-being. Without it, your ability to eat, speak and socialise is at risk. When you can’t do these simple things that many of us take for granted, your mental health can also easily take a nosedive. A regular dental check up and clean helps with all the following concerns.
Prevent plaque, tartar, cavities and tooth decay
Plaque is a film of bacteria and food debris that sticks to the tooth surface every time we eat or drink something. It is the primary cause of cavities, gum disease and tooth decay.
Keep gum disease at bay
In Australia, 3 in every 10 adults suffer from moderate to severe gum disease, HealthDirect reports. There are two main types of gum disease:
o Gingivitis: This causes the gums to be red, swollen and tender. It results from plaque buildup on the teeth and along the gum line. The good news is that it is reversible.
o Periodontitis: This is a severe and irreversible form of gum disease. It usually progresses slowly. Over time, it can cause teeth to loosen and possibly fall out.
Dentists check for oral cancer
More than 900 cases of oral cancer are registered in Australia every year. It makes up 6.5 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the country. Oral cancer can affect the tongue, lips, cheeks and soft palate of the mouth.
Detect systemic health issues
According to the Australian Dental Association, what goes on in your mouth has far-reaching effects on the rest of your body. Extensive research has found that the main conditions that link the mouth with the rest of the body are cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes.
What You Should Do Between Each Dental Visit
Maintaining good dental hygiene also requires some work on your part. After leaving your dental office, brushing and flossing your teeth should be part of your daily routine. The Australian Dental Association recommends brushing twice daily – in the morning and at night – for at least two minutes each time. Avoid brushing too hard as it can cause tooth wear and brings dental sensitivity and many more. damage and gum bleeding.
After giving your pearly whites a good cleaning, follow up with flossing. Consider also adding mouthwash as part of your daily cleaning routine. In addition to fighting bad breath, it can help reduce the level of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. To see which toothpaste and mouthwashes get the ADA’s “seal of approval,” click here.
Schedule Your Dental Checkup Today
At Boon Dental, we take your dental care seriously. We treat each customer like a friend and aim to make every visit as pleasant as possible. We are also always happy to answer any questions. Book online for an appointment today, or give us a call.
