The best way to maintain good oral hygiene is to brush and floss your teeth daily, and to visit your local dentist regularly. Your dentist not only examines your teeth for signs of decay or damage, they will look for early signs of gum disease and other more serious oral issues.
It is normally recommended that you visit your dentist twice a year, although people who have severe gum disease or a weakened immune system may need to visit the dentist more often.
Your dentist will first ask if there have been any problems since your last dental check-up, and take a note of any new medication that you may be taking.
At your check-up your dentist will:
- Check for early signs of decay or breakages
- Check existing restorations (existing fillings or implants)
- Look at your gums for early signs of gum disease
- Examine your tongue, throat, cheeks & lips for signs of oral cancer
- Examine jaw joint
X-rays of your teeth are usually taken every two to three years, unless your dentist notices a problem and needs an X-ray to look inside the tooth.
If cavities are found or your dentist feels that your oral hygiene needs to be improved, he will create a treatment plan outlining the work that needs to be carried out and the price. You will then need to make a secondary appointment for the necessary treatment if you choose to follow this plan
Occasionally, patients may be referred to other dentists who specialise in the relevant fields of dentistry if required.