DO YOU NEED TO GET A REGULAR CHECK-UP?
Regular dental check ups by your dentist are essential for maintaining good dental and general health and also prevents the need for complex treatment in the future. During your dental examination, a thorough examination is carried out by the dentist which includes things like Oral Hygiene, Gum Health, tooth decay, mouth cancer screening, tooth wear, bad breath and much more.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is fundamental to having healthy teeth and gums. Hygiene treatment at involves a thorough assessment of the health of your teeth and gums and the gentle removal of any stubborn plaque or tartar build-up around the teeth and below the gum line that brushing alone cannot always remove. If left unchecked plaque and tartar can cause significant damage and result in problems associated with tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum Disease
Your gums are like cushions for your teeth: they surround the teeth in the jaws and help to support them. Looking after your gums is just as important as looking after your teeth. Red and swollen gums that bleed when you brush them could be a sign of gum disease, also known as gingivitis.
When gingivitis is left untreated it can develop further into a condition known as periodontitis or gum disease, which affects the entire area surrounding the tooth. A result of this could be losing your tooth so it's vital to avoid.
Tooth Decay
Dental decay occurs when enamel and dentine are gradually dissolved as a result of sustained acid attack, which takes place after eating and drinking anything containing sugars. Over time, the acid damages the tooth and may lead to it needing to be filled or even taken out.
Mouth Cancer Screening
Mouth cancer is an increasingly common form of cancer and can affect anyone, whether or not they have their own teeth. Mouth cancer is particularly prevalent in people over 40, particularly men. However, research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women.
Most cases of mouth cancer are linked to tobacco and alcohol intake and if tobacco and alcohol are consumed together the risk is even greater. Over-exposure to sunlight can also increase the risk of cancer of the lips. Recent reports have also linked mouth cancer to the human papillomavirus (HPV) spread through oral sex.
Mouth cancer can often be spotted in its early stages and as part of every routine examination, the dentist will always examine the inside of your mouth and your tongue. If mouth cancer is detected early, then the chances of a cure are good.
When brushing your teeth, you should always look out for any changes in your mouth, and report any red or white patches, or ulcers, that have not cleared up within three weeks.
Tooth Wear
Tooth wear (also termed non-carious tooth substance loss) refers to loss of tooth substance by means other than dental decay or dental trauma. Tooth wear is a very common condition that occurs in approximately 97% of the population.
Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. If the enamel is worn away or eroded, this dentine is exposed which can lead to pain and sensitivity, which can be worsened with extreme temperatures.
There are multiple forms of tooth wear including Erosion, Attrition and Abrasion.
Erosion is the progressive loss of tooth substance by chemical or acid dissolution, and no bacteria are involved. Erosion of tooth surfaces is mostly the results of too frequent or inappropriate use of carbonated drinks (including sparkling water) and fruit juices with high levels of acidity. This habit would appear to be particularly common amongst teenagers and young adults.
Erosion is also a problem in individuals who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) or from certain eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia). In addition, risk of erosion is high in individuals with a low “unstimulated” salivary flow rate.
Attrition is the progressive loss of hard tooth substances caused by mastication or grinding between opposing teeth. The extent of attrition will depend upon the use to which an individual puts their teeth. For example, it will increase in people who habitually clench or grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism), e.g., during sleep. It will also tend to be more pronounced in people who eat a particularly fibrous diet.
Abrasion is the progressive loss of hard tooth substances caused by mechanical actions other than mastication or tooth-to tooth contacts. Abrasion is commonly associated with incorrect toothbrushing technique, giving rise to notching at the junction of the crown and root of teeth. It will also be seen in individuals who use their teeth as a tool (e.g., to remove bottle tops, to hold pins, clips or nails).
The long-term use of tongue jewellery also causes tooth abrasion, when the jewellery is hitting against the teeth
Bad Breath
Bad breath is a very common problem and there are many different causes. Some people find that they have bad breath all the time and there may be an underlying medical cause for that, such as throat, nose or lung infections and sinusitis, bronchitis or diabetes.
You can also suffer from bad breath if you have poor dental hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria and bits of food can get trapped in between your teeth, which release an unpleasant odour after some time. Another cause of bad breath is smoking. Bad breath is also caused or made worse by strong foods like garlic, onions and coffee.
Bad breath can be prevented by following a daily oral hygiene regime and cutting down on sugary foods and drinks. Regular trips for hygiene appointments will also ensure your plaque levels are kept under control.
