Is it time for a Dental Check Up?
With the New Year already started and holiday season sadly coming to an end, it is time for a dental check up. A dental check up is a consultation appointment where the patient can express their concerns about their dental issues.
With the New Year already started and holiday season sadly coming to an end, it is time for a dental check up. A dental check up is a consultation appointment where the patient can express their concerns about their dental issues. Firstly a “Check-up” is conducted whereby:
- All soft tissues are examined inside and around your mouth to assess for any lesions or abnormalities
- Gum pockets are measured and analysed for your risk of gingivitis or periodontal disease
- Teeth are examined for any diseases, broken or decayed teeth
- All previous fillings are assessed
- Finally any dental appliances (such as dentures or plates) are checked for fitting, comfort and retention.
If the clinician requires further insight to aid with their diagnosis, X-rays may be required:
- To check between the contacts of your teeth
- Positioning and Presence of teeth
- Presence and size of decay or broken teeth
- Presence of wisdom teeth
- To check under/or around fillings, crowns and bridges
How do you know if you need a dental check up? Here are 8 signs that mean you need a dental check up:
1 – Tooth Pain
People often suffer with toothache that may occur from eating, drinking and daily activities. Soon these everyday and normal activities became difficult. Call your local dentist for an dental check up appointment. Any form of tooth pain should be taken as a warning sign.
2 – Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is having some degree of pain or discomfort in teeth to certain stimuli. This can be from hot or cold temperatures. Having this pain or discomfort is often an indication of tooth decay. Treating tooth decay as soon as possible can help prevent the tooth decay from developing into something worse that will cost more to treat.
3 – White Spots on Teeth
Having white spots on your teeth may indicate tooth decay. Tooth decay is often not noticeable, however with regular dental check ups it can be detected and treated in it’s early stages. If you see white spots on your teeth, book a dental check up with your local dentist.
4 – Constant Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a condition where the salivary glands, located in your mouth, do not produce enough saliva. This can cause serve tooth decay and gum disease if it is left untreated. Therefore, if you are experiencing this often, you should call your dentist to book a dental check up for your dentist to have a look and advise a treatment plan.
5 – Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches are often not linked with dental issues. However, common issues like grinding or clenching can cause headaches. This can also lead to neck pain, which in turn can cause back pain. If you feel like you grind or clench your teeth, then you should also call your dentist to book a dental check.
6 – Swollen Gums and Frequently Bleeding Gums
When you floss and brush your teeth daily, you may notice your gums either bleeding and/or inflamed/swollen. If you experience these symptoms, you may have a build up of hardened plague around your gum line. A dental check up would be beneficial to help clear up this hardened plague.
7 – Sores in the Mouth
A dentist can help figure out the cause of the sore and advise you a treatment method that is best suited for you. If a sore lasts more than a week, schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.
8 – It has been more than 6 months since the last visit
Has it been over six months since the last dental check up? If this is the case, then a dentist appointment is even more critical. A dentist can clean between the teeth and discover the signs of an infection before it can spread.
