If you haven’t been to see a dentist in a long time or genuinely cannot remember when your last dental check-up was, you’re certainly not the only one. In fact, research suggests that most adults do not in fact follow professional guidelines by visiting their dentists at least once every year, or ideally every six months. Not only this, but a quite extraordinary number of adults and children alike have quite literally never been for a professional dental check-up.
Which begs the question, why? Given the fact that everybody knows the importance of good oral health and hygiene, why do so many adults go such long periods of time without organising a professional dental check-up?
Generally speaking, there are three primary reasons cited by those concerned, which are as follows:
- Costs – In many instances, people avoid going to the dentist simply due to the fact that they are worried about the costs.
- Time – For others, the fact that they are so incredibly busy day in and day out means that booking appointments with dentists becomes something of a side-issue that never seems to happen.
- Nerves – And then of course there are those for whom the idea of going to the dentist represents the kind of real-life nightmare they’d rather avoid.
What all three of the above groups have in common is the way in which they are putting their long-term oral health at risk. The simple fact of the matter is that without periodic examinations, the likelihood of minor problems developing into something far more severe increases exponentially. Even when using the best electric toothbrush recommended by dentists and all the premium products in the world, you cannot expect to take care of your teeth for life without the input of a dental professional.
The Modern Dental Check-up: What to Expect
If you haven’t been to see a dentist for some time, you may be entirely unsure as to what to expect. Suffice to say, things have changed a great deal over the years and you may well find the entire experience to be fundamentally different to that you may be familiar with.
For one thing, dentists these days are comprehensively aware of and sympathetic to patients’ concerns. Whether you fit into any of the above-mentioned brackets or haven’t been to a dentist for some time for any other reason, you can expect to be treated with understanding, empathy and professionalism from start to finish. This change in attitudes alone can make a trip to the dentist these days significantly less harrowing than in may once have been.
In terms of what to expect, most dentists have their own unique approach to patient care, but you can more often than not expect the following:
- Examination – The dentist and their assistant will begin by taking a look inside your mouth, using a mirror to examine each of your teeth, your gums and the health of your mouth in general. The dentist will usually speak observations out loud, in order for them to be written down by their assistant. If they note any problems, they will be brought to your attention at the end of the examination.
- Cleaning and Polishing – More often than not, professional cleaning and polishing services carried out by dentists are 100% optional. If you do not particularly want your teeth to be professionally cleaned or would rather not face the additional cost of the procedure, you can request it not to be carried out. However, there’s really nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as the feeling you get following a thorough professional cleaning job!
- Advice and Guidance – In accordance with the results of the examination and any questions your dentist asks you with regard to oral hygiene habits and your lifestyle and general, you will be provided with helpful advice and guidance. If any minor problems have been detected, your dentist may present you with the various options available to you by way of treatment.
- Additional Tests – In some instances, your dentist may recommend that additional checks be carried out in the form of x-rays and other scans. This does not necessarily mean that they suspect there is a problem – it could simply be that they are looking to eliminate all possibilities of emerging problems.
- Referral – If any kind of treatment or work is required that your dentist is unable to carry out personally, they will most likely refer you to the relevant specialist. Once again, where any treatment is required or recommended, it is you that will decide how, when, where and if it is carried out.
Getting the Most Out of Your Dental Check-up
It’s been known for some time that your overall health is connected closely with your oral health. Which is precisely why along with strong oral hygiene practices at home, it is of the utmost importance to consult with dental professionals on a regular basis.
In addition, it’s also important to ensure that you remain proactive at all times, in order to get the very most out of your dental check-up.
For example:
- If you have been experiencing any problems or unusual symptoms whatsoever with regard to your teeth, gums and mouth in general, it’s important to bring these up with your dentist. They may seem insignificant to you, but could highlight something potentially serious to a professional.
- Be sure to ask your dentist for the recommendations on the best toothbrush on the market for your needs, along with which toothpaste, mouthwash and other products you should be using.
- If you are taking any medications or have any underlying health issues of any kind, you must let your dentist know about them before your visit.
- If you are afraid of the dentist, this isn’t the kind of thing you should keep bottled up. Instead, be as honest as possible and let the dentist know about your apprehension before your visit, in order to ensure every effort is made to keep you as comfortable as possible.
- Last but not least, if you have any questions whatsoever with regard to your own oral health or that of your family in general, do not pass up the opportunity to gain access to outstanding professional advice. You’re paying for the session – you might as well get maximum value for money out of it!
