As life passes by in the flurry of daily routines, tight schedules and endless to-do lists, it’s easy for our dental health to take a backseat. Suddenly, amidst all the hustle and bustle, the nagging questions linger: when was my last dental check-up, and how often should I get my teeth checked? 

The answer to the latter question is not as straightforward as you might think – it’s all about your circumstances. But one thing’s for sure: regular dental checkups are non-negotiable, along with consistent oral hygiene for maintaining a healthy and happy smile. Skip them, and you may find yourself facing severe dental problems that could’ve been easily avoided.

What Happens During a Dental Check-Up? 

Dental check-ups typically involve two parts: a comprehensive examination of your mouth and a professional dental cleaning. 

• Dental Examination – During your dental examination, our dentist will thoroughly assess your mouth for any signs of dental problems such as cavities, cracks and gum disease. Your dental check-up will also include an oral cancer screening, and if the need arises, we may take dental X-rays to detect problems that are not easily visible. 
• Dental Cleaning – After assessing your mouth, our dentist will clean your teeth. This will remove any plaque and tartar build-ups on your teeth. Your teeth will then be polished using a fluoride polishing paste. 

Who Needs Dental Check-Ups? 

Who needs dental check-ups, you may ask? Spoiler alert: it’s not just for those with dental problems. From children to seniors, everybody needs dental check-ups to ensure their smiles remain beautiful. In fact, children should be taken to the dentist by the time they turn 12 months or when their first teeth become visible. 

Why Are Dental Check-Ups Important? 

Now, let’s dive into why dental check-ups are important. They are not just appointments. Think of these check-ups as spa days for your pearly whites. Regular check-ups are protective and preventive measures that keep dental problems like cavities and gum disease at bay. Benefits of regular dental check-ups: 

• Maintains good oral health by keeping your teeth free from dental issues 
• Keeps your teeth healthy and strong 
• Allows our dentists the opportunity to detect early warning signs of dental issues to nip them in the bud
• Enables dentists to educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices
• Contributes to overall well-being because healthy teeth mean a happy life
• Saves the need for costly, complex and time-consuming treatments down the road
• Allows the dentist to monitor the development of a child’s teeth and jaws, allowing early intervention where necessary

How Often Should I Visit the Dentist? 

Now, onto the million-dollar question – how often should you see the dentist? 

Forget the misconception that a pain-free smile means you don’t need to visit the dentist. Even if your teeth feel fine, there could be dental issues lurking in the dark without showing any warning signs. Our dentists can detect even the most hard-to-notice problems and nip them in the bud if you visit us for regular check-ups. 

The Australian Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for regular check-ups every six months. However, this doesn’t apply to everyone. If you have any ongoing dental problems, you may have to visit the dentist more often. Ultimately, your dentist is the best person to advise you on how often you should come in for a check-up. 

In addition to your routine check-ups, you should visit your dentist if: 

• You experience dental pain 
• Your teeth are damaged
• You have trouble swallowing or chewing 
• Your face is swollen 
• You’ve undergone any major dental procedures
• You have a dental emergency

Are you due for a dental check-up? Schedule an appointment with us today to protect and maintain your beautiful smile. At Purity Dental, we’re here for all your dental needs.