The Importance of a Regular Dental Checkup

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The Importance of Regular Dental Checkup

Aside from brushing and flossing, scheduling regular dental checkups is part of taking good care of our teeth and gums. The field of dentistry, especially preventive dentistry, has flourished in recent years. Before, dentistry largely focused on treating tooth decay, but now, we can schedule regular checkups as part of maintaining our oral health.

dental checkup near me

If you are looking for a “dental checkup near me?”, our dentist, Dr. Avi Israeli recommends having your teeth cleaned every six months or three times a year. For persons with serious dental issues, you can schedule more appointments depending on the doctor’s evaluation.

Visit our office, Sage Dental and Spa to learn more about dental cleaning.

Dental Checkup in Wall Township

So, what can you expect from a dental check-up in Wall Township? A dental checkup is an examination by your dentist to check for any cavity, plaque, or calculus (tartar) build-up. Your dental hygienist will also examine your tongue, cheek, gums, throat, and neck area to screen for any abnormalities. Checking these areas can help your dentist track your oral health and detect any diseases early. Your dentist will also need to perform an x-ray for complete visibility when needed. 

Another important part of your dental checkup is when your dentist performs teeth cleaning to remove plaque or tartar on your teeth. Plaque or tartar buildup is what causes gum and oral diseases. To do a proper cleaning, your dentist will use various special tools. These tools include: dental mirrors to easily check the surface areas of your teeth, scalers to scrape off tooth plaque, and a polisher to whiten or shine your teeth at the end of the procedure.

7 benefits of dental cleaning

It’s sometimes easy to take our oral health for granted. Some of us may feel hesitant in scheduling regular dental visits because of an experience or we’re used to thinking that regular brushing is enough to clean our teeth thoroughly. Now that you know what to expect in a dental checkup, you can understand why dental checkups are necessary for maintaining our oral health. Here are seven benefits of dental cleaning: 

  1. For cavity prevention. – Regular checkups and cleanings help prevent the build-up of plaque and cavity. They can help your doctor detect the problem early on, and do what is necessary to keep your teeth healthy. 
  2. For teeth whitening. – Certain foods and drinks stain our teeth, especially when we don’t brush daily. Since teeth cleaning involves polishing the teeth, it can prevent discoloration, giving you a brighter and more confident smile.
  3. For tooth loss prevention. – When we don’t take good care of our oral health enough, plaque can build up, which can make our gums recede and lead to serious tooth decay and tooth loss. When we discipline ourselves and practice good oral habits together with scheduling regular teeth cleaning, we are able to keep our teeth healthy and prevent gum diseases that lead to tooth loss. If you have a problematic tooth, your dentist can also evaluate if you would need a root canal to save the tooth or another procedure.  
  4. For early detection of serious oral problems. – Periodontal disease puts you at risk of oral cancer and serious oral problems due to inflammation caused by bacteria in your mouth. When you have regular dental checkups, you lower your risk of developing certain cancers or you are able to detect serious problems early. 
  5. For dental plans usage. – If your employer provides dental benefits, it will be good to know that most dental plans cover teeth cleaning and checkups. So, it is best to take advantage of it and use your dental plan.
  6. For treatment of bad breath. – Having regular dental cleaning can help you get rid of persistent bad breath. Bad breath caused by bacteria can go away after regular dental cleanings. Your dentist may also recommend you to use mouthwash or toothpaste with antibacterial properties.
  7. For keeping your overall health. – Oral health is part of your overall health. In fact, there are many studies linking cardiovascular diseases and diabetes to poor oral health (such as gum disease). When you visit your dentist twice a year, you are able to track your oral health and reduce your chances of getting serious oral diseases.

With many health plans covering dental benefits, dental cleanings and dental checkups are more accessible to patients now than ever.  And so, it is our responsibility to schedule regular visits with our dentist. In case the dentist finds an oral problem during your dental checkup that is not covered by your plan, do not hesitate to ask your dentist about financial arrangements and payment plans that can help with the necessary procedures. 

Call Sage Dental and Spa in Wall Township, NJ for the dental checkup you deserve!

Proper dental hygiene

When at home, it is our responsibility to observe proper dental hygiene to keep our teeth and gums healthy. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a gentle toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Aside from brushing your teeth, regular flossing also helps get rid of food particles that are stuck in hard-to-reach areas of your teeth. Using mouthwash can help prevent bad breath as it helps kill the bacteria in our tongue, inner cheeks, and gums.

Dentists also recommend changing our toothbrushes every three months or sooner if we see that the bristles are already worn out. Lastly, living a healthy lifestyle such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol use and avoiding too much sugar can help contribute to proper dental hygiene.

signs that you need a dental checkup

Feeling pain or discomfort from your teeth and gums is a clear sign that you need a dental checkup. Aside from pain, other signs that you need to book a dental visit may include the presence of mouth sores, having sensitive, chipped, or loose teeth, a dry mouth, having bleeding or swollen gums, and persistent bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth. 

It’s easy to overlook a dental checkup appointment especially if we think that the problem is only minimal and will go away on its own. However, if it has been a while since you’ve had your dentist appointment, it’s best if you contact your dentist for any early signs of trouble. If you think you have a dental problem, do not wait for it to worsen or recur. Reach out to your dentist for a checkup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a dental checkup take? 

All patients and dentists are different, so the time it takes to complete a dental checkup would depend. However, a dental checkup is generally completed in an hour. Note that your dentist may ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment if he or she sees any problem. But if there’s none, then you should be good to go for your next appointment after six months. 

Are Dental Checkups worth it?

Definitely! Your oral health is just as important in maintaining your overall wellbeing. We only get one set of permanent teeth in our lifetime and having regular dental cleanings ensure that we keep our teeth and gums healthy so we can enjoy them until we grow old. A dental checkup may feel like a basic procedure, but doing it regularly goes a long way. During dental checkups, your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to monitor your oral health and provide proper interventions when necessary.

Do I really need to floss?

Yes. Dentists recommend flossing your teeth at least once a day to clear food particles and remove plaque that’s in between your teeth. Practicing this will prevent the build-up of tartar and lower your risk for gum disease. When you brush, the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth, so experts recommend flossing once a day. There is no specific time to floss, so you can do so at any time of the day. 

Do I really need to use a mouthwash?

Using mouthwash along with brushing and flossing your teeth daily is helpful to prevent gingivitis and bad breath. If you already practice good oral hygiene, using a mouthwash daily is not strictly necessary. So, it depends on your preference. 

However, dentists highly recommend using mouthwash, especially to treat bad breath, dry mouth, and sensitive teeth. A mouthwash that has fluoride and is alcohol-free is best for people with dry mouth (xerostomia) and sensitive teeth. It’s also important to note that using mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing, but instead, we should use it with clean teeth and mouth. You can talk to your dentist to learn about the best mouthwash for your needs. 

If you need advice about your oral health, Dr. Avi Israeli is your dentist in Wall Township, NJ. Call our office to learn how we can help you.

Is using toothpaste with fluoride better for my teeth?

Studies show that a safe amount of fluoride is good for your teeth. Fluoride helps prevent teeth decay and enhances the remineralization of your enamel.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and we can get it from different sources such as eating certain foods. The United States and other countries even add a small, safe amount of fluoride to their water supply, called water fluoridation. 

You can still use toothpaste without fluoride if you prefer doing so, but, they do not provide as much benefit in terms of preventing cavities. Thus, toothpaste with fluoride is still recommended. In choosing your oral care products, look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. These products have undergone proper evaluation for effectiveness and safety. 

You can also learn more about fluoride in toothpaste here.

I have complete dentures, do I still need to go for a dental checkup?

While people with full dentures do not need to worry about teeth decay, it is still recommended for you to visit your dentist. A dental checkup includes more than just checking for teeth decay. A checkup also includes a head and oral screening for cancer and other oral diseases like mouth sores and gum disease. Your dentist will also check if the fit of your dentures is still properly maintained or if they need adjusting.

When is the dentist available? 

Sage Dental and Spa is open from Monday to Friday. Call our office so our staff can help you pick the earliest available schedule for your dental checkup.

Do I need to arrive early for my dental checkup? 

Arriving ten to fifteen minutes early will be helpful for new patients. You can have extra time in case you need to fill out forms prior to your appointment. 

Dental Health Checkup in Wall Township, NJ

If you would like to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup, we can help you! Our office Sage Dental and Spa in Wall Township, NJ, also provides many services from preventive dentistry (such as regular cleanings) to cosmetic dentistry (such as implant surgery).

Contact our office to learn more about the dental services and dental treatments we offer. 

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