What do you gain from a dental check-up?

by Dr David Cipriani | Oral Health, Oral Links to General Health, Prevention

Why is a regular dental check-up and clean vital to your health and wellbeing?

Avoiding your next visit to the dentist could have much bigger health implications than a simple cavity. You may think that getting a regular dental check-up and clean is tedious task, but maintaining good oral health should not be ignored. When you skip a visit to the dentist, you allow conditions to develop which can dramatically impact your health and happiness. On the other hand, seeing your dentist regularly can nip dental issues in the bud. If you want to maximise your health and wellbeing, a regular check-up and clean needs to be a non-negotiable.

If you’re feeling anxious about your next dental visit you’re certainly not alone but with the proper care and consideration, a visit to the dentist shouldn’t be painful. At Dental Crafted, we personally customise every patient’s treatment to minimise anxiety and maximise comfort. . When you make an appointment with our team, you get to enjoy peace of mind, knowing that your dental wellbeing is in good hands.

Dental wellbeing equals freedom

At Dental Crafted, we know why dental health matters. In trusting our team with your dental wellbeing you’ll have more reasons to smile, knowing there’s no hidden issues lurking beneath the surface. That’s the freedom regular check-ups can offer. We believe in the power of preventive care and its transformative effect on your life. Catching problems early means addressing them with simpler, more affordable treatments—it’s an investment in your smile’s future.

Early detection is key

Early detection in oral health, much like in other medical contexts, means identifying potential issues at their earliest stages. When you discover these before symptoms manifest and problems escalate, you stop all kinds of trouble before it even starts. Here are a few scenarios which have vastly better outcomes when they are caught early:

Plaque and tartar: When you skip regular professional cleaning, you let harmful bacteria colonise your teeth. This forms a sticky biofilm called plaque which produces acid that eats away at your enamel. Plaque which remains in hard-to-brush places grows and bonds to tooth enamel, taking a solidified form called tartar. Tartar is even worse than plaque in terms of its damage to your enamel. Only professional cleaning can remove both plaque and tartar, thereby saving tooth enamel. If you miss professional cleaning, you end up missing the enamel you need to prevent cavities, dental sensitivity and more.

Cavities: Cavities happen when oral bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel, creating holes or decay in the tooth structure. These begin small, unaccompanied by noticeable symptoms like pain or sensitivity. However, if left untreated, they can deepen and affect the tooth’s inner layers, leading to pain, infection and conditions requiring extensive treatments like root canals or crowns. In routine dental check-ups, we catch the earliest hints of cavities and address them with simple solutions, preventing further damage and discomfort.

Gum Disease: Gum disease, particularly in its early stage, known as gingivitis, may not announce its presence with noticeable symptoms. However, it can progress to a more severe form called periodontitis, resulting in gum recession, bone loss and ultimately, tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups detect signs of gum disease early, preventing its progression with professional cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices and other treatments.

Oral Cancer: Oral cancer, like many forms of cancer, can be more successfully treated when detected early. During a dental check-up, we undertake screening for oral cancer by examining the mouth, gums, tongue and throat for abnormalities such as unusual growths, discolourations or lesions. Identifying potential signs of oral cancer early allows for prompt referral to specialists for further evaluation and treatment, improving the chances of successful outcomes.

Catching these issues early allows us to implement treatment plans that are less invasive, more affordable and better for your overall health.

Prevention is power

Prevention is indeed powerful in maintaining oral health, and regular professional dental cleanings are a cornerstone of preventive care. Here’s why they’re so crucial:

Plaque and tartar removal: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar, with greater intensity than plaque, digests food into acid that chemically erodes tooth structure. Although tartar cannot be removed by regular brushing, it is no match for a well equipped dentist.

Comprehensive cleaning: While daily brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining oral hygiene, they may not always be sufficient to remove all plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas or areas with stubborn deposits. Professional dental cleanings thoroughly clean your teeth, gums and oral structures, effectively removing plaque and tartar buildup to prevent oral health issues.

Prevention of cavities and gum disease: Cavities and gum disease are two common oral health issues that can arise from poor oral hygiene and the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Regularly removing these bacterial deposits through professional dental cleanings can significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. This preventive approach helps maintain the health and integrity of your teeth and gums, preserving your smile’s natural appearance and function.

Fresh breath: Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath (halitosis) by harbouring odour-causing bacteria. Professional dental cleanings effectively eliminate these deposits, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. This can enhance confidence and positively impact social interactions by ensuring your breath remains pleasant and odour-free.

The link between oral and overall health

Research has increasingly shown the connection between oral health and overall well-being. Here’s how regular dental care benefits your entire body:

Reduced risk of chronic diseases: The mouth is a gateway to the body, and poor oral health can have systemic effects. Research has highlighted associations between untreated gum disease (periodontitis) and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The inflammation and bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in other parts of the body, potentially exacerbating existing health issues or increasing susceptibility to new ones. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking regular dental care can help mitigate these risks and support your overall health.

Improved management of existing conditions: For individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system, maintaining optimal oral health is particularly crucial. Conditions like diabetes can compromise the body’s ability to fight infections, including those in the mouth. Poorly controlled diabetes can also exacerbate gum disease, creating a vicious cycle of worsening oral health and systemic health outcomes. Regular dental check-ups help identify and address oral health issues early, reducing the risk of complications and supporting better management of medical conditions.

Enhanced quality of life: Oral health can improve your quality of life in many different ways beyond physical health. Pain and discomfort from dental problems can interfere with eating, digesting, speaking and sleeping, impacting general health and daily functioning. Additionally, the aesthetic concerns of oral health, such as worn and missing teeth, can influence your self-esteem, confidence and social interactions. Prioritising regular dental care and maintaining good oral hygiene habits can help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable and fulfilling life.

Personalised approach to your smile

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it when it comes to oral health. That’s why your Dental Crafted visit is a two-way conversation. We’ll listen to your concerns, assess your unique needs and provide professional guidance. This may include tailored advice on brushing and flossing techniques, dietary recommendations that promote good oral health and additional treatments to optimally improve your unique oral health situation.

Invest in your smile, invest in yourself!

When you keep to the recommended schedule of checkups and cleanings, your oral health has its best chance to thrive. We genuinely love seeing issues prevented or fixed before they get the chance to develop into more severe conditions. Ensuring optimal dental wellbeing is our main goal at Dental Crafted—your health is our happiness!

Prevent dental issues, reduce your risk of chronic diseases and improve your quality of life in the comfort of our state-of-the art clinic. Our caring team is ready for you to schedule your next dental check-up and clean. Invest a little time and effort in the health of your smile today.