It is a fact that good oral hygiene requires regular visits to the dentist. We all know that we need to visit the dentist regularly, but we don’t always make it to the appointment. Many people miss their appointments because of long wait times between visits or inconvenient appointment times. This has led to NHS waiting times.
We know that it can be difficult to keep up with regular appointments, and you might be embarrassed to go. We are here to make sure that your visits to your dentist are an important part of your self-care and health.

It is important to visit the dentist regularly, but how often should you go?

Only one fifth of people visit the dentist for problems with their teeth. 24% admit that they treat dental problems at home. It is risky to treat dental problems at home. This could lead to more complications that could result in long-term damage to your oral health.

A checkup should be done at least once every six months by your dentist. This will improve your dental health and allow your dentist to provide preventative care that could help stop future problems. To maintain optimal oral health, it is important to visit the dental hygiene professional between dental visits.

Regular Examinations

For many reasons, regular exams are important. Regular exams are necessary to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy. During your dental exam, your dentist will examine your mouth and assess your overall oral health.

It is important to maintain a regular routine and have regular dental examinations in order to maintain good oral health. Preventative care can save your teeth from irreversible damage.
What happens at a dental appointment?

During your appointment, your dentist will examine your mouth and gums. While there are many standard procedures, some aspects of your visit will be customized to meet the needs of each patient.

Your overall health will be discussed with your dentist. This allows them to identify any external factors that could impact your oral health.

They will inspect your mouth and examine your gums.
Sometimes, additional treatments may be required such as Xrays.
Your dentist will need to ask you about your lifestyle. He or she may be able to offer suggestions on how to quit smoking, or what routines are best for your oral health.
They will let you know if there are any changes in your home care.
They will let you know when additional treatment is needed if necessary.

It is important to understand that every patient will have different needs and the process for a dental check-up. Your dentist will explain all aspects of the treatment and answer any questions.

Do I need to visit the dentist?

You should visit your dentist between appointments to keep your mouth clean and maintain good oral health at home. Your dentist will monitor any changes in your mouth that could indicate the possibility of developing mouth cancer. While many people view a dental hygienist only as an extra, they should be an integral part your oral health routine, much like visiting the dentist.

You should visit your dentist between regular check-ups. A dental hygienist can professionally clean your teeth, taking out any plaque or embedded debris.

After your professional cleaning, your dentist will make recommendations to maintain optimal oral health at home. Your dental hygienist can answer any questions you may have about home maintenance and show you how to do it properly.

So that you can keep your teeth healthy and your regular dentist visits, we will make sure that your hygienist appointments are scheduled between them. Our hygienists can offer advice on brushing and flossing, and can screen for signs of mouth cancer.

Between Dental Visits

It is important to practice good oral hygiene at your home between dental visits. You will avoid further issues and need to have additional visits to the dentist beyond your regular appointments. Many people don’t know how to properly care for their dental hygiene at home. They are often confused, especially if they have a poor oral health or are starting from a bad place. You will be able to properly care for your teeth between dental visits if you visit the dentist and oral hygiene specialist regularly.
How to take care of your teeth at home

You may be offered some tips by your dentist or oral hygiene professional about how to maintain your oral health between appointments. These suggestions will vary depending on your oral health, but could include:

Flossing

People often forget to floss after brushing their teeth, but flossing is an important part of any dental hygiene regimen. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. It also keeps your gums and teeth healthy. If you have food particles stuck between your teeth, flossing is essential. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy by using a tipi toothbrush or interdental floss at least twice a day.

Make sure you have the right toothbrush

Too much pressure when brushing can cause enamel to be removed, which can weaken the surface of the teeth and increase the risk of tooth decay. An electric toothbrush can be used to achieve a clean feeling without having to press too hard. Your dentist might recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush if enamel is already damaged.
Reduce acidic food and beverage consumption

Although diet coke may seem harmless, acidic foods and drinks like citrus and fizzy drinks can cause tooth decay and weaken enamel. If they see signs of enamel loss, your dentist might recommend you stop drinking fizzy drinks and eat more acidic foods.

Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about acidic foods or drinks affecting tooth enamel. They will be able guide you on how to reduce this. Your priority should be to reduce your intake of acidic beverages and foods. These foods and beverages should be avoided if you are unable to eliminate them completely.

Stop Smoking

Extrinsic staining is caused by chemical buildup on the teeth’s surface. It is also one of the most common causes of mouth cancers. To improve your overall health, your dentist will always advise you to quit smoking. Your dentist might be able offer further treatment options, such as teeth bleaching, if you are concerned about the staining from smoking.

Regular visits to your dentist are essential if you smoke. They will be able to spot any changes in your dental health that could lead you to more serious diseases.

Avoid Problems

Your dentist should be seen every six months to help prevent any further problems, such as tooth decay. To ensure your mouth is healthy, your dentist can also check for mouth cancer or other diseases.

Preventative care is preferable as it means that less treatment is needed in the long-term. Gum disease and tooth decay are the most common causes of tooth loss. Your dentist can tell you if there are any changes in your oral health that might need to be addressed at home.

Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay refers to the destruction of tooth structure. It can affect both the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) as well as the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth).

Tooth decay is caused by foods that contain carbohydrates (sugars or starches), such a bread, cereals milk, soda, fruit juices, cakes, and candy. These foods are broken down by bacteria in the mouth, which turns them into acids. Plaque, which sticks to the teeth, is formed when bacteria, acid, food debris and saliva mix. Cavities are created when plaque dissolves the enamel on the teeth.

To prevent tooth decay

Fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used at least twice daily to brush your teeth. Brush your teeth after every meal, and before you go to bed.
Daily flossing or interdental cleanings such as Reach Stim-U Dent, Oral-B Interdental Brush or Sulcabrush can be used to clean between your teeth.
Use a fluoride-containing toothpaste to rinse your mouth daily. Antiseptic ingredients may also be included in some rinses to kill plaque-causing bacteria.
Limit snacking and eat healthy, balanced meals. Avoid carbs such as chips, pretzels, and candy. They can stick to the teeth. Brush your teeth immediately after eating sticky foods.
Talk to your dentist about supplemental fluoride. This will strengthen your teeth.
To protect your teeth from decay, ask your dentist about dental sealing (a protective coating made of plastic) that is applied to your chewing surfaces (molars).
Fluoridated water is recommended. Children need to drink at least one pint of fluoridated water per day to prevent tooth decay.
Regular visits to your dentist are recommended for professional cleanings or oral exams.

Researchers are working on new ways to prevent tooth decay. A study showed that chewing gum containing the sweetener, xylitol, temporarily inhibited the growth bacteria that causes tooth decay. Several materials slowly release fluoride over time. This will prevent more decay. These materials could be placed between the teeth, in pits or fissures. Research is also underway into mouth rinses and toothpastes that can reverse or “heal” early cavity symptoms.

Health issues

It is a good idea to visit your dentist if you have recently been diagnosed with any medical conditions. Discolouration can occur when antibiotics are used. Tooth decay can be caused by some chemotherapies. It is important to let your dentist know about these issues so they can check your teeth and make any necessary adjustments.

Discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health with your dentist to ensure they are able to perform your dental exam.