Taking care of teeth can be tricky for many, especially if the correct dental hygiene education is not provided at a young age. Many patients may be aware of the two minute brushing rule, but may be unsure of how to prevent the onset of oral diseases and infections which can be caused by a build-up of oral bacteria (plaque) on the surface of the teeth. In addition to brushing and flossing adequately at home it is vital that patients pay a visit to their local dentist in W1 regularly.
Why is a biannual check-up so important?
Many individuals may overlook their scheduled check-up at their local clinic for a wide array of reasons, such as convenience, financial concerns, or the belief that they employ an adequate dental hygiene routine at home, however a visit to your local clinic is vital in keeping your smile healthy!
What is preventive dentistry?
Preventive dentistry essentially refers to the practice of preventing the development of cavities, plaque, and therefore dental diseases occuring within the mouth. Many dental clinics worldwide are now strong believers that prevention is always better than cure, which is why a biannual check-up is so important!
Avoiding serious dental concerns later in life
Regular dental appointments (suggested by dental healthcare professionals to be every six months) not only keep your teeth healthy and free of cavities, but in doing so they can prevent more serious dental issues later down the line, which in turn saves you money.
What’s the harm?
For patients who wish to postpone (or even miss entirely) their scheduled appointment, they could be missing early symptoms of oral diseases and infections such as gum disease for example. Aside from preventing the build-up of plaque and the danger of untreated cavities, oral cancer screenings can be key in preventing mouth cancer which can be extremely serious.
How to maintain an adequate dental hygiene routine at home
Many patients may be aware that brushing for two minutes twice daily is recommended from a young age however they may be unsure of the other lifestyle factors that can affect the health of their mouth. The consumption of fizzy drinks and sugary food can cause a build-up of oral bacteria on the surface of the teeth (which can later develop into tartar) however certain bad habits can also cause yellowing.
Are you adopting bad habits?
The consumption of highly pigmented food and drink (such as red wine, coffee, and curry for example) can cause yellowing of the surface of the teeth. In addition to extrinsic and intrinsic staining of the teeth, smoking can also cause extreme yellowing and dramatically increase your chances of developing oral cancer.
Experiencing anxiety?
Many patients may be feeling nervous prior to their scheduled dental appointment which is extremely normal within the field of dentistry! Despite common misconception, anxiety can be experienced by patients of all ages and can be triggered by negative childhood experiences (which can unfortunately be carried into adulthood). If you are experiencing anxiety prior to your appointment then it may be a good idea to contact your local clinic to seek reassurance.
