One of the questions many Australians would like clarity on is – how often should you really visit a dentist Wagga? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, some patients will need to make check-up appointments at least twice a year (if not more regularly) whilst others can get away with an annual visit.
Much depends on the individual patient’s oral situation. Those who should make regular visits are those who are at increased risk of poor oral health issues and if they have chronic medical conditions.
Patients suffering from diabetes, for example, will need to routinely have their gums checked for signs of gum disease, as high blood sugar levels in the body have been proven to increase the risk of gum problems.
Not every patient appreciates these dental appointments, and yet, the benefits of professional check-ups have a direct relation to the quality of life a patient lives.
Why oral health checks are so important
One of the most valuable positives about dental check-ups is that of preventive care. Preventive dentistry greatly reduces the likelihood of you experiencing major dental work down the line and it keeps your smile healthy and happy.
The smile is easily the most important feature people notice when it comes to evaluating selfies. A research study initiated by the Oral Health Advisory Panel (OHAP) offers some surprising insights. At least 57 per cent of respondents in a research study pointed to the smile as the attribute they found most attractive. In selfies shared in social media posts, respondents rated the smile far higher than other selfie-worthy attributes such as exotic travel destinations and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Patients may think that because they brush their teeth every day that they do not need a professional dental cleaning. This is far from the case in the majority of instances. The effects of daily brushing are undoubtedly important, but there are limits to at-home oral hygiene obligations carried out by the patient.
The reach of the toothbrush bristles can only go so far, and many of the spots where bad bacteria hide are in these hard-to-reach places. Once settled in these spots on teeth and gums, bad oral bacteria accumulate to form plaque that gives rise to cavities and gum disease.
The one method patients can be sure that all plaque has been eliminated is through professional dental cleaning. These procedures are highly effective in getting rid of bad bacteria and improving the oral hygiene of the mouth. Often, patients can resolve bad breath issues too through deep cleaning procedures at a dental clinic.
Another tooth-saving activity is to use fluoride treatments that typically follow a deep cleaning procedure. This procedure works to further strengthen enamel to make it more resistant to the invasive effects of plaque and calculus.
Visiting your oral health practitioner remains the best way to safeguard one’s smile. Poor oral health can not only result in pain and discomfort, but is also linked to self-consciousness, mental ill-health, and avoidance of social engagement.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.