Why you need a regular dentist check up for healthy teeth

Regular dental check-ups are recommended to maintain healthy teeth and gums. The interval varies from three months to two years depending on your oral health. Your dentist will advise you on what’s right for you.

The aim of a check-up is to nip any problems in the bud, before you experience pain, lose teeth or have other health problems. Gum disease has been associated with heart disease, for example.

Halitosis is embarrassing and can sometimes leave a nasty taste in your mouth. You might have a hole in your tooth, an infection or gum disease.

Your dentist can give you tips on cleaning your teeth more effectively and treat more serious periodontal disease. Your family and friends will thank you for it.

Persistent bleeding when you floss or brush isn’t normal. You might just be brushing too enthusiastically—yes, it’s possible to overdo it—but it could be gum disease.

Your dentist will let you know which it is and help you resolve it. 

Dentists don’t just look for cavities and unhealthy gums; they can also spot mouth cancer and refer patients to hospital to see a specialist.

Cases have risen by 34 per cent in the past decade, according to the Oral Health Foundation, but early diagnosis can save your life.

Yellowing and staining on your teeth are often linked to lifestyle (including drinking coffee, red wine, cola and fruit juices, and eating curries) and can be improved with a good brushing regime or whitening (have it done under a dentist’s care rather than risk ruining your enamel or sustaining chemical burns by using a DIY kit).

If the inside of a tooth looks brown or black, it might need a filling. A tooth that goes grey might be dying.

Some food plans designed for weight loss or better health, including the keto diet, can leave you deficient in some vitamins and minerals. This can jeopardise the health of your teeth and gums. A dentist can help you understand how to compensate.

Certain conditions can affect your oral health. For example, high blood glucose levels in saliva caused by diabetes favour bacteria which can cause cavities. Some medications can cause oral problems ranging from dry mouth to stained teeth.

There are various causes, including teeth grinding, a misaligned bite and a tooth abscess. Pain has a tendency to get worse, so make sure you ask your dentist to investigate.

More and more adults are having orthodontic treatment to straighten their teeth. Not only does it make a huge difference to your smile, it can also prevent gum disease, which is more likely to take hold if you struggle to clean crooked teeth.