Dental Check-Ups in Stafford

It is important to get regular 6-monthly dental check-ups for the following reasons:

Your dentist can spot potential problems

Your teeth may not have any problem areas, but unless you visit a dentist, you may not even know. Going every six months or so can help you nip a potential problem in the bud before it becomes costly or painful.

One of the most common oral problems is gum disease, which arises when tartar builds up and causes an infection where the gum is connected to the tooth. This infection is called gingivitis, which, if untreated, can progress into periodontitis, which can lead to the loss of teeth.

Prevention of pain and toothache

Nothing is worse than a toothache, as it can be really painful and debilitating, making work and going about daily activities unbearable. By visiting the dentist, problem teeth and gums can be fixed and repaired easily, preventing the onset of dental pain.

You get a complete oral health check

It’s not just your teeth that your dentist checks. They will also look at your gums, tongue and surrounding tissues, potentially identifying problems like gum disease or even mouth cancer.

Oral cancer is extremely serious and can manifest in different ways. Without going to the dentist and having an oral examination, you can potentially miss signs of its early onset. Thankfully, with an early diagnosis, it is easily treatable.

Prevent bad breath and tooth staining

When plaque builds up around your gum line, it can cause bad breath. The only way to remove hardened plaque is through a scale and polish at the dentist, which can also remove stubborn stains.

Check old fillings and restorations

Old fillings can sometimes come loose or chip, which can let bacteria in underneath. This can cause significant problems and even lead to tooth loss. Having them checked every few months can fix any small issues and help to save the integrity of your teeth.

Check for cavities

Not all cavities cause symptoms, so you may be unaware that you have them. Cavities that don’t get treated can lead to bigger problems and tooth loss, so it’s important to get checked out regularly.

Finding problems under the surface

Part of your dentist’s appointment will be getting your teeth and jaw X-rayed. This will help spot any underlying issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye. This can spot things like impacted wisdom teeth or extra teeth that need to be removed.

Head, neck and lymph node checks

In addition to checking your teeth and jaw, your dentist will also check your neck for any abnormal lumps and bumps. Swollen lymph nodes do not necessarily mean that there is a serious underlying medical condition at play, but getting them checked out is prudent.