DENTAL CHECK-UP :- WHEN AND WHY??

                Dental Check-UP

     In general every individual thinks that if i am not in pain my oral health is in good condition and i need not to visit any dentist for checkup.

        But, even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see a dentist on regular basis because many dental problems don't become visible or cause pain until they are in advanced stage. Your dentist can check for problems you may not see or feel. Regular visit allow your dentist to find early signs of disease,and problems can be treated at a manageable stage.

  On an average, it is important to visit a dentist atleast once,but ideally twice a year. Some people may require fewer visits, other may need more frequent visits. People with high risk of dental disease might need to visit every 3-4 months. 

  The high risk group includes:

     . Smokers

     . Pregnant women

     . Diabetics

     . People with recurrent gum disease

     . People with weak immune response

     . People with a family history of  

         any dental problem.

  IN A REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UP

   An ounce of  prevention can go a long way when it comes to your oral health. Whenever you go to a dentist for a regular dental checkup following steps will be conducted

  

First: The soft tissues are checked for any ulceration or lesion, the dentist will also check the jaws and other muscles. A metal probe and a small angled mirror will be used, which helps them to see behind and between teeth and gums.

Second: Then the teeth are checked carefully for any cavities, fractures and broken fillings, along with other possible problems. Each tooth is checked sequentially to be sure.

Third: The dentist will then check your gums, for swelling,redness and spaces in the gums for any pockets.

Fourth: The examination will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is clear, sticky layer of bacteria if it is not removed it will harden and will form tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing.

Fifth: The checkup finally includes a careful examination of your tongue, throat and palate. This is to look for any swelling, redness or possible signs of cancer.

The dentist may even take X-RAYS if necessary. This show hidden decay between teeth, trauma of jaws,problem with wisdom teeth and gum disease.

Benefits of regular check-up :-              

- Save your teeth.

- Keep your smile white and bright.

- Protect your over all health and well being.

- Keep bad breath at bay.

- Keep a check on any dental problem before hand. 

Result and Advice :

    After the examination is complete, your dentist will let you know exactly what is going on in your mouth and will advice you about next step. Sometimes it involves giving a next appointment for a procedure to be done, while other time the dentist will give you advice about what you can do at home to better your oral health. It is extremely important that you listen to this advice and put it into action as best as you can.

               

      Do not neglect regular dental check-up. Your oral health is too important to the rest of your health. As they say " prevention is better than cure ".

REGARDS : Dr. Mitali Patel