Most people know they should visit the dentist regularly, but when life gets busy, check-ups tend to slip down the list. So how often do you actually need to go, and what happens if you leave it too long?
For most adults, every six to twelve months is a sensible guide. The right frequency depends on your individual circumstances, including your history of decay or gum disease, whether you smoke and whether you have conditions such as diabetes that can affect your mouth. At Regent Dental Care we assess each patient individually and will always explain what we recommend and why.
A routine check-up covers far more than a quick look at your teeth. We examine your gums for early signs of disease, assess the condition of any existing fillings or restorations, check for changes in your soft tissues and look for early signs of decay, often before you would notice anything yourself. We also carry out an oral cancer screening at every check-up. It takes less than a minute and could make a significant difference.
The most common reason people end up needing complex treatment is that small problems were not caught early. A tiny cavity spotted at a routine appointment can be treated quickly. Left for two years, it may become a root canal or a lost tooth. Gum disease is a similar story. In its early stages it causes no pain at all, but untreated it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Dental pain is your mouth telling you something has already gone wrong. By the time a tooth hurts, the situation usually needs more than a filling. Regular visits keep you in control and keep treatment to a minimum.
If you are unsure when you last had a check-up, now is a good time to book one. We see patients at our Roundhouse, Douglas and Peel locations and our team will make sure you feel completely comfortable from the moment you arrive.