This is why regular trips to the dentist are important

When it comes to your health, prevention is always better than cure. And that is especially true for your oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly helps to keep your mouth healthy and can prevent dental problems from occurring.

You may feel like your teeth are perfectly fine, you may have no pain or sensitivity. But that doesn't mean you don't need to see your dentist for a routine check-up. It's much better, and cheaper, to identify and rectify a problem before it escalates.

Why going to the dentist is important

Denplan Head Dental Officer Louis Mackenzie, says:

“As well as making sure that your mouth is healthy, one of the most important benefits of your regular check-ups is to get advice on the best ways of preventing future dental problems. Your dentist will also be able to spot the earliest signs of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth wear."

"They'll also check for conditions that affect the soft tissues, the most serious of which being mouth or skin cancers. Your dentist will also ask about, and look for the signs of, general health problems such as diabetes."

What else do you get with a check-up?

During a check-up, your dentist will discuss your daily oral health routine with you. This includes:

• the most effective method to brush your teeth
• how to use interdental brushes or floss to clean in between your teeth
• potential changes to your diet to protect your teeth
• recommend oral care products which are best suited to your needs
• the impacts of smoking and drinking alcohol on your oral health.

Your dentist will talk through any preventative treatment you may benefit from. This could include treatment to remove plaque build-up, often called a ‘scale and polish’. They’ll also discuss the cost of any treatment with you, so you’ll know what to expect when you’re handed the bill.