Hygiene and Check Up
Dental Check-Ups and Hygiene Mackay
Regular dental checkups and oral hygiene play a crucial role in overall health. Dental and oral health are tied into the health of other areas of your body including your bone health and even heart health. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene are the best ways to be proactive and help catch problems early or avoid them altogether.
Dental Checkups Important for Health
During a dental checkup, the following may be detected:
- Tooth decay
- Gum Disease
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Abnormal bumps or abscesses
- Oral cancer
Early detection of these problems allows early intervention. This means less pain, less stress and a lower cost to fix the problem. For example, a small cavity can sometimes be fixed during the same appointment as the dental checkup. But if the cavity were allowed to expand, it could lead to complications that require antibiotics, a root canal treatment or a tooth replacement.
Some dental problems, if left unchecked, can lead to health problems through spreading infection and due to links between oral health and other diseases like diabetes and heart disease. That’s why our experienced dental team offers the most thorough dental examinations to find early signs of tooth decay or gum diseases such as periodontitis.
Dental Checkups Important for Health
During a dental checkup, the following may be detected:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Worn or damaged teeth
- Abnormal bumps or abscesses
- Oral cancer
Early detection of these problems allows early intervention. This means less pain, less stress and a lower cost to fix the problem. For example, a small cavity can sometimes be fixed during the same appointment as the dental checkup. But if the cavity were allowed to expand, it could lead to complications that require antibiotics, a root canal treatment or a tooth replacement.
Some dental problems, if left unchecked, can lead to health problems through spreading infection and due to links between oral health and other diseases like diabetes and heart disease. That’s why our experienced dental team offers the most thorough dental examinations to find early signs of tooth decay or gum diseases such as periodontitis.
Benefits of Regular Dental Checkups
Cavities:
Early detection of cavities ensures the decay will not spread and your tooth will be saved. Often, cavities do not cause pain, especially in the early stages. Unfortunately, this allows it to grow if untreated, which can lead to the need for a root canal. Sometimes cavities hide between teeth or under the gumline. This is why we may take x-rays so that these do not go unnoticed during your dental exam.
Clean Plaque and Remove Tartar:
Even with daily brushing, plaque can hide in places where your brush cannot reach. At the same time, some people are more prone to plaque buildup. When left unchecked, plaque hardens and turns to calculus (tartar), which can spread.
But your Oral Health Therapist will clean this before it causes problems. Good oral hygiene is important and regular dental cleanings help you maintain oral health.
Gum Disease:
Plaque, tartar and the spread of bacteria can all lead to gum disease This type of infection causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, which allows bacteria to spread and eventually leads to the deterioration of the affected teeth.
Gingivitis is the early stage and often goes unnoticed by many. If allowed to spread, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, leading to bleeding, tooth loss and expensive gum treatment.
But during a dental checkup, your dentist can catch this early and take care of the problem. A dental hygienist can clear the plaque or tartar and solve the problem before it gets worse. This means less pain for you and your wallet.
Hidden Problems:
Our dentists are prepared and experienced at finding problems that often hide, like impacted teeth or the beginning of gum disease. With the use of x-rays and other specialized tools, we can ensure that small problems remain small.
Early Detection of Disease:
People don’t realise that the dentist is the first to detect danger signs of certain diseases like cancer. During your checkup, the dentist might feel your neck, jaw or around your cheeks and observe your tongue or lips. This is part of a thorough exam, which allows them to check for serious conditions or even signs of nutritional deficiencies.
Comfort and Communication:
When you come in for regular dental checkups, you will get to know our team as we get to know you better. We want you to feel comfortable sharing your concerns with us, so we can help you.
Often, patients want to know about teeth straightening or whitening but do not want to make an appointment for fear of money or discomfort.
But a checkup is a natural time for you to ask and we can share with the pros and cons of all options with you.
Cavities:
Early detection of cavities ensures the decay will not spread and your tooth will be saved. Often, cavities do not cause pain, especially in the early stages.
Unfortunately, this allows it to grow if untreated, which can lead to the need for a root canal. Sometimes cavities hide between teeth or under the gumline. This way we may take x-rays so that these do not go unnoticed during your dental exam.
Clean Plaque and Remove Tartar:
Even with daily brushing, plaque can hide in places where your brush cannot reach. At the same time, some people are more prone to plaque buildup.
When left unchecked, plaque hardens and turns to calculus (tartar), which can spread. But your dental professional will clean this before it causes problems. Good oral hygiene is important and regular dental cleanings help you maintain oral health.
Gum Disease:
Plaque, tartar and the spread of bacteria can all lead to gum disease This type of infection causes the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, which allows bacteria to spread and eventually leads to the deterioration of the affected teeth.
Gingivitis is the early stage and often goes unnoticed by many. If allowed to spread, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, leading to bleeding, tooth loss and expensive gum treatment. But during a dental checkup, your dentist can catch this early and take care of the problem.
A dental hygienist can clear the plaque or tartar and solve the problem before it gets worse. This means less pain for you and your wallet.
Hidden Problems:
Our dentists are prepared and experienced at finding problems that often hide, like impacted teeth or the beginning of gum disease. With the use of x-rays and other specialized tools, we can ensure that small problems remain small.
Early Detection of Disease:
Some people don’t realise that the dentist is the first to detect danger signs of certain diseases like cancer. During your checkup, the dentist might feel your neck, jaw or around your cheeks and observe your tongue or lips.
This is part of a thorough exam, which allows them to check for serious conditions or even signs of nutritional deficiencies.
Comfort and Communication:
When you come in for regular dental checkups, you will get to know our team as we get to know you better. We want you to feel comfortable sharing your concerns with us, so we can help you.
Often, patients want to know about teeth straightening or whitening but do not want to make an appointment for fear of money or discomfort.
But a checkup is a natural time for you to ask and we can share with the pros and cons of all options with you.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Most dental checkups are stress-free and minimal discomfort. It is a time for the dentist to do a full examination, review your medical history and evaluate your oral health. During this time your dental professional will talk to you about any concerns and share options that are available. Quite often, our patients are surprised at the ease of taking care of their concerns, especially with early intervention. Here’s what you can expect:
A thorough examination of your teeth and gums
X-rays or digital scans, if required
Light teeth cleaning to remove tartar and polishing
Full cleaning if requested
Oral hygiene discussion if requested
Diet intervention discussion for special cases like braces or new cosmetic dentistry
A thorough examination of your teeth and gums
X-rays or digital scans, if required
Level of cleaning is dependant on individual need and will include removal of tartar and polishing
Oral hygiene discussion if required
Diet intervention discussion for special cases like braces or new cosmetic dentistry
Once your dental checkup is complete, you will be confident knowing all your needs and concerns have been addressed. Feel free to use this time to ask your dentist about any procedures you may be interested in like teeth whitening or straightening, so you know what to expect if you decide to go ahead with the service.
Dental Hygiene and Cleaning
Dental hygiene begins at home with regular brushing and flossing. Your dental professional will advise you of any special instructions for recent dental work like crowns or if you have braces. And while daily brushing and flossing are the best prevention, a professional teeth cleaning is that extra layer of protection because areas that are tough to reach will be cleaned.Some plaque and tartar cannot be brushed away, but your dental hygienist will use a special tool to remove it. Taking proactive steps like this can help you avoid future dental problems that might be costly if left untreated.
Download Our Price List
Whether you’re looking for general, restorative or cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to know what the investment is upfront so you can make an informed decision.
We offer clear and transparent pricing for all of our dental services in our price guide. Simply click the button below, enter your details, and we will email you a copy right away!
Download Your Price List
Call for Your Exam Today
Our team of experienced dental professionals here at Plaza Dental Mackay are ready to assist you with a gentle and compassionate approach. We want you to be comfortable during your visit and confident that you chose the right team. Call today for your dental checkup and let us serve you.
Call for Your Exam Today
Our team of experienced dental professionals here at Plaza Dental Mackay are ready to assist you with a gentle and compassionate approach. We want you to be comfortable during your visit and confident that you chose the right team. Call today for your dental checkup and let us serve you.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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