The biggest issue which dentists and patients face is that the majority of us do not visit the dentist as often as they should. The NHS Digital (previously known as the Health and Social Care Information Centre) have concluded that almost half of the UK adults have not visited a dentist within the last two years. Shockingly, more than a quarter of adults admitted they only visit the dentist when a dental problem occurs.
The facts state that 31% of adults have tooth decay, 66% of UK having visible plaque and 29% of people suffer from on going pain in the mouth or teeth.
So, how often should I visit the dentist?
A lot of people assume that you have to go for a dental checkup every six months. However, some people may not need to go as often and others may need to visit the dentist more frequently.
Your dentist will be able to determine when you should have your next check-up based on how good your oral health is.
Did you know that certain types of medication may have an impact on your oral health too? For example, patients which mention that their medication causes them to have ‘dry mouth’ are more likely to get tooth decay and will be recommended to visit their dental practice more often.
Do you ignore the warning signs?
The problem that many of us face is ignoring our oral health. It is easy to allow problems to develop without seeing a dentist soon enough.
The two most common issues left unchecked;
Tooth Pain
In the majority of cases where tooth pain occurs it will be from cavities forming. Once a cavity reaches the point where it is causing pain then a filling, root canal or possible tooth loss is more likely. Regular check ups ensure that any signs of a filling can be identified and treated as early as possible.
Allowing Gums to Bleed
When you allow your gums to bleed it helps allow the chance for cavities and inflamed gums to occur. Pockets will develop under the gum-line which are filled with bacteria that ultimately eat away at the teeth and will eventually reach the bone causing tooth loss. Visiting your dentist regularly can ensure that your gum health is maintained properly and early treatment prevents serious complications to occur.
Overall dental check-ups will greatly decrease the potential for oral health problems to become a matter which will need extensive treatment. Conclusively dental check ups are cost effective in comparison to expensive major dental treatment such as root canal, crowns and implants.
Call one of our friendly staff at Primrose Dental Practice on 020 7722 0860 to book your next check-up today.