02 6210 2200

    2 Geils Court, Deakin, ACT 2600

    Dental Checkups

    What is a dental check-up?

    A dental check-up is a routine procedure which should be performed by a general dentist every six months. In this appointment the dentist would examine all of your teeth and gums thoroughly which helps in the early detection and treatment of such things as tooth decay and gum disease. A general check-up may also include diagnostic x-rays, this allows the dentist to see between your teeth and below the gum line which cannot be seen with the naked eye. A dental check-up is key to maintaining great oral hygiene and performed every 6 months can significantly reduce the possibility of you ever experiencing a tooth ache.

     

    Do I need to have my teeth cleaned with my dental check-up?

    The secret to a healthy heart is healthy gums, scientists have proven that periodontal disease is closely linked to cardiovascular disease. Both periodontal and cardiovascular disease are inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the common mechanism that connects them. The presence of gum inflammation increases inflammation throughout the body which in turn may significantly increase your chances of developing heart disease. If left untreated, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissue and therefore to more severe health conditions.

    For this reason it is recommended to have your teeth cleaned at least every 6 months so the plaque and tartar build up can be removed. Gum inflammation is also the main cause of bad breath and gum recession. If gums continue to recede it will eventually lead to bone loss which can make your teeth less stable. It also exposes the dentin layer of your tooth which sits just below the gum line, exposed dentin can cause your teeth to become sensitive and decay can occur much quicker.

    People who are at risk of developing periodontal disease should have their periodontal condition closely monitored and managed with regular dental visits.

     

    What is involved in a dental cleaning procedure?

    The dentist will clean your teeth with an ultrasonic scaler to remove any hard deposits of plaque and tartar that cannot be removed with a tooth brush at home, this also allows then dentist to see the surface of your tooth that was not visible through these deposits during the initial examination. The dentist may also floss your teeth before or after scaling.

    Further cleaning is done using a polishing paste which is similar to tooth paste. This removes staining that’s caused by smoking as well as food and drink such as tea, coffee, wine, curries etc.

    The last stage of a dental check-up and clean is a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps to remineralise enamel and fight bacteria which can cause decay. The fluoride gel used by a dental professional is a higher concentration than the concentration found in water and toothpaste. It is recommended you have a fluoride treatment with each 6 monthly dental check-up and clean. The dentist may suggest no drinking or eating following a fluoride treatment in order to allow time for your teeth to absorb the fluoride.

     

    What should I do between each dental visit?

    Brushing correctly twice a day and flossing daily between dental visits is essential to a healthy mouth. In addition to this, reducing the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume will help to reduce your risk of developing dental caries. To reduce staining on your teeth, you should rinse with water straight after consuming any coloured foods or drinks which may cause staining.

    At Affinity Dentistry our dentists and dental hygienist/oral therapist have a common goal of improving your overall health, we have your best interests at heart.

    Call us today for more information and to book in for your Dental Check-Up in Deakin, Canberra.

     

    Affinity Dentistry