In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of regular dental check-ups. For many, a trip to the dentist only occurs when a problem arises – a toothache, bleeding gums, or a missing tooth.
However, visiting the dentist is not just about fixing problems as they arise. Dentists also focus on proactive care, such as diagnosing orthodontic issues in the early stages and preventing decay from taking hold.
Did you know that tooth decay is the most widespread disease in Australia, impacting one in three people over 15?
This isn’t surprising, when you consider that many Australians avoid their dentist like the plague!
In fact, the majority of Australian adults (68 per cent) didn’t visit a dentist for 24 months, while a quarter stayed away for five years.
We can save you a lot of pain and money if we’re given the chance to detect an oral health problem before it progresses to advanced stages that are more complicated and expensive to treat.
This is why regular dental check-ups are so important! We recommend seeing your dentist every six to twelve months.
Having said this, many people don’t have enough money to pay for routine appointments, so we’ll talk about government grants (for children) later on.
The importance of regular dental check-ups for oral hygiene:
No matter how diligent we may be with our oral hygiene routines at home, there are areas that can be challenging to clean effectively without professional assistance.
Dental hygienists are equipped to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing and flossing alone may not eliminate. This not only enhances the appearance of your smile, but also reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum disease.
Did you know that regular dental check-ups help to keep your entire body healthy?
Many people are surprised to learn their oral health actually impacts overall health.
Research clearly shows a strong correlation between inflammation in our mouths and the rest of our bodies (and vice versa). Poor oral hygiene is linked to various systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Routine dental check-ups help patients protect their oral health, lowering the risk of developing a number of diseases.
Dentists are often the first to spot oral symptoms of wider medical problems (leading to early diagnosis):
Dentists have been trained to detect early warning signs for medical problems like lupus, Crohn’s disease, anaemia, bulimia, acid reflux, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV, anxiety, dementia, GERD and more. Your mouth could show the first signs of a wider medical problem, since oral health and overall health are connected. As always, early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.
Empowering our children (and selves) with regular dental check-ups:
Dentists teach people proper brushing techniques, as well as the importance of eating well for oral health. They may also suggest preventive treatments like fluoride applications and dental sealants to strengthen and protect the teeth from decay.
Children learn the importance of prioritising their oral health, and understand that dental care is an essential aspect of overall wellness.
Routine appointments also help to reduce the fear that many people feel before visiting a dentist!
Book your regular dental check-ups with Advanced Dental in Cammeray:
Take a proactive step towards protecting your oral health, by booking an appointment with our highly qualified dentists. We have years of experience, and know how to help children and adults to feel comfortable in our clinic.
If you have children, it’s possible to apply for government assistance that covers the cost of their dental treatments.
Eligible families can benefit from the federal government’s Child Dental Benefits Scheme, offering up to $1052 for basic dental services for children under 17 (over a two-year period).
Call (02) 9922 6022 or fill out this form to book an appointment with our friendly team.