Routine Check ups

Unless you were born without teeth—and chances are, you were born with them—you will need to be seen by a dentist at some point in your life. Seeing a dentist when you have a problem with your teeth is a no-brainer. Seeing them even when you think everything is perfect is… wait for it… even brainier! Routine dental check-ups are recommended for everyone, regardless of age or dental health status. They are particularly important for:

• Children: to monitor the development of teeth and prevent early dental issues
• Adults: to maintain oral health and prevent the progression of dental diseases
• Seniors: to address age-related dental problems and maintain overall oral health
• Individuals with dental issues: those with a history of dental problems or ongoing treatments
• Pregnant women: to monitor oral changes and prevent pregnancy-related dental issues

Behind every great smile is a great oral care routine, which includes oral care at home, but importantly, also includes dental check-ups at your Genix Dental Practice. Unlike most of the bodily issues, your dental problems are rarely likely to get resolved on their own. This means getting your teeth checked on a regular basis is the only way to ensure the dental interventions needed to maintain your teeth are kept to a minimum. Routine dental check-ups offer numerous benefits, including:

• Early detection of problems identifying issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer at an early stage
• Preventive care with professional cleaning and fluoride application that helps remove plaque and tartar, preventing tooth decay and gum disease
• Oral health education to reinforce advice on proper brushing, flossing, and dietary habits
• Cost-effectiveness by preventing dental problems saving you money on more extensive treatments in the future
• Overall well-being through maintaining good oral health, potentially preventing systemic health issues

Going to the dentist for a routine check-up is like visiting a tiny construction site in your mouth. The dentist, armed with tools that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie, takes a peek inside your mouth to make sure everything looks alright. While it may feel like this is where ‘open wide’ feels like an Olympic sport, at the end, you leave with a sparkling smile!

The delivery of routine dental check-ups involves several steps:

• Initial examination with the dentist to check your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of problems
• Professional cleaning with the removal of plaque and tartar buildup, polishing of teeth
• Preventive therapies including application of fluoride
• X-rays if necessary to detect issues not visible during the examination
• Oral health advice on maintaining oral hygiene and dietary habits
• Treatment planning if any issues are detected

With anything that undergoes regular wear-and -tear like your teeth (your car would be another example), getting a routine dental check-up is not a task that you can check off your list once and for all. Good oral health is an ongoing goal, and a marathon, not a sprint. The frequency of routine dental check-ups varies based on individual needs:

• General recommendation: every 6 months for most people
• High-risk individuals: every 3-6 months for those with existing dental problems or high risk of dental disease
• Low-risk individuals: every 9-12 months for those with good oral health

Your mouth is home not only to your teeth and gums, but also to six billion—no, that is not a typo—germs. It takes regular care to maintain it in pristine health. In the end, though, smiling with teeth is always nicer than smiling without them, because smile is a curve that sets everything straight. This is why all this work is definitely worth your while.

• To maximise the benefits of routine dental check-ups, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Consume a healthy diet by limiting sugary foods and drinks, and eat balanced meals.
• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
• Keep up with your scheduled dental check-ups.
• Inform your dentist of any pain, discomfort, or changes in your oral health in a timely manner.

• Consistency is key. Regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining oral health through early detection and prevention of problems.
• Your dental care is always personalised to you, and chances are, will look different from what someone else you know gets. Your dentist will tailor the frequency of check-ups to your specific needs, and keep you informed about what needs to be done to keep your teeth bright and sparkling.

Routine dental check-ups are a cornerstone of good oral health. They help in the early detection and prevention of dental issues, provide professional cleaning, and offer valuable oral health education. By adhering to regular dental visits at your Genix Dental Practice and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can ensure a healthy smile and overall well-being.