Dental Check Ups

Dental check-ups are important in the prevention and treatment of dental problems, and as such, should be carried out on a regular basis, and sooner if you suspect a dental problem is developing. Early treatment and detection is important in stopping the progression of minor dental problems like bleeding gums, becoming a major problem like tooth loss. Oral hygiene at home is one half of the battle that is keeping your mouth healthy, the other half is seeing your dentist on a regular basis so that he or she can diagnose any problems that develop and advise you on your oral hygiene regime.

Information on Dental Check-Ups

When you visit your local dentist, especially if it is your first time with a new dentist after changing or first ever visit to a dentist period, then you will be expected to fill out a medical health history form or questionnaire. This is so your dentist will know any medical conditions that you have and provide special considerations. In you have any blood borne diseases, it is doubly important for you to put it down on the form as this allows the dentist to take special care to avoid any cross contamination as well as better understanding your dental needs and symptoms. Any medication you are taking or recently stopped taking also needs to be recorded, as certain medications cannot be prescribed safely with other conflicting medications, and some symptoms of your dental problems may be side effects of your medications. If in doubt as to what is important to notify your dentist about, ask your local dental nurse or dentist for more information. It is quite likely that they will talk to you first before they begin the check-up, to ask about any queries on your medical form and to find out if you need any special treatment, or if you are a nervous patient of not, or if you have any underlying medical problems that affect the way you need to be treated such as a physical disability. The form also provides a record of information in case you need an emergency dental procedure. The dentist will then conduct a preliminary visual examination of your teeth, before asking you sit or recline for a more detailed check up. He will then advise you on your individual circumstance and possibly arrange a follow up appointment if a dental procedure is needed. Dental check-ups should be arranged every six months or sooner if a problem is suspected. Good oral hygiene should however, be continually practiced at home to ensure minimum dental problems. People who smoke, use tobacco and drink large amounts of alcohol should consider having more frequent check-ups as they are more at risk from dental problems such as gum disease.

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