Regular check-ups can ensure you maintain good oral health and any problems can be identified before they become serious issues.
Here at Iris Dental, we recommend a proactive approach when it comes to your smile. Your dental health is essential to your well-being. This means preventing dental issues through basic oral hygiene before they become problematic.
A large number of factors can influence tooth decay, including sugary or acidic foods, misaligned teeth, improper brushing or poor oral hygiene in general. Plaque is the enemy to your oral health – it is made up of the acids constantly forming on your teeth and gums and erodes away at your tooth enamel. Decay eventually forms and if left untreated, this may also lead to tooth loss, which brings a whole new list of health complications. In order to avoid any nasty surprises, we recommend visiting your dentist for regular check-ups every six months.
At our dental practice, we provide not only regular check-ups; we also provide each patient with an individual dental health care plan to ensure the ongoing health of their teeth. The best thing for your oral health is to have your natural teeth for as long as possible. Maintaining your oral health can be the difference between needing a filling now and requiring root canal therapy or even an extraction later. By attending regular check-ups, we can help you care for your teeth and keep them for your lifetime.
Dental hygiene
Dental hygiene maintenance involves removing plaque (soft, sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened tartar deposits) that have built up on your teeth over time. A dental hygienist is a specifically trained and licensed oral health professional who provides you with clinical & educational services to enhance and maintain both your oral and overall health.
Our hygienists and therapists are trained to work together with your dentist to provide integrated, comprehensive dental care. New research is revealing strong connections between compromised oral health and diseases within the body; a clean smile is also contributing to your overall well-being.
Your appointment will cover:
- Thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of your teeth
- Removing tartar and disease above and below the gum line
- Removing light stains
- Professionally polishing the tooth surfaces
- Evaluating the health of your gums
- Strengthening teeth with fluoride and natural ions
- Personalising dental hygiene instructions to maintain a healthy smile including dietary impact on dental health
- Teaching you how to effectively care for your teeth at home
- Providing you with a take home care pack with toothbrush, floss, paste and travel case
- If you have gum disease, where the gums are receding or are starting to detach from the teeth, our hygiene department conducts deeper tartar removal and gum/bone treatment.
We will always discuss any additional elements of your teeth maintenance with you on the day. In most cases, the foundation of the mouth (gums, bones and ligaments around the teeth) are treated first before repairing the teeth that they support.
Point Cook Dentist
We pride ourselves on treating each patient individually, whether you are visiting for a simple procedure or need a more complex treatment. If you have neglected your regular check-ups and your oral health has now suffered, it’s not too late to reverse these effects. With our services, we can help you gain back your mouth’s original health and functionality. By frequently visiting us, together we can monitor your oral health and nip any dental issues in the bud so they don’t become painful and expensive complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a Dental Clean?
As a general guideline, it is recommended to get a dental cleaning every six months. This interval allows your dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth and gums, helping to maintain good oral health. However, it’s important to note that the frequency of dental cleanings can vary depending on individual factors such as your oral health status, dental history, and the recommendations of your dentist.
In some cases, individuals with certain dental conditions or a higher risk of dental issues may require more frequent cleanings. For example, if you have gum disease (periodontitis) or a history of frequent cavities, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleanings to manage and monitor your oral health effectively.
It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate frequency of dental cleanings for your specific needs. They can assess your oral health and provide personalised recommendations based on your circumstances.
Why do I need Dental X-Rays?
Dental X-rays, also known as dental radiographs, are an important tool in diagnosing and monitoring oral health conditions. Here are some reasons why dental X-rays are necessary:
● Detection of Tooth Decay: X-rays can reveal areas of decay between teeth or beneath fillings that are not visible during a visual examination. Early detection of cavities allows for prompt treatment, preventing further damage to the tooth.
● Assessment of Tooth and Root Structures: X-rays provide detailed information about the condition of teeth and their roots. They help identify issues such as impacted teeth, abnormalities, fractures, or infections at the root level.
● Evaluation of Bone Health: X-rays can show the density and quality of the jawbone, which is important for procedures like dental implants, orthodontic treatment, or periodontal (gum) disease evaluation.
● Examination of Tooth Development: X-rays are especially useful in paediatric dentistry to monitor the development of permanent teeth, identify any abnormalities, and plan appropriate orthodontic treatment if needed.
● Diagnosis of Oral Diseases and Conditions: X-rays can assist in detecting oral diseases such as gum disease, cysts, tumours, and other abnormalities that may not be visible during a clinical examination.
It’s important to note that dental X-rays involve very low levels of radiation exposure, and dentists take necessary precautions to minimise the radiation risk, such as using lead aprons and high-speed film or digital X-ray sensors that reduce exposure time.
The frequency of dental X-rays varies depending on individual factors such as age, oral health status, and risk of dental problems. Your dentist will consider these factors and recommend X-rays as needed to provide appropriate and personalised care.
How do I practise good oral hygiene at home?
Practising good oral hygiene at home is crucial for maintaining optimal dental health. Here are some essential steps you can follow:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and debris between teeth.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Maintain a balanced diet, limiting sugary and acidic foods.
- Limit tobacco and alcohol use for better oral health.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Remember, consistent oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits contribute to a healthy mouth and can help prevent dental problems. Consult with your dentist for personalised advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
Why do we need dental checkups and dental cleanings?
Regular dental checkups and cleanings maintain oral health by detecting problems early, preventing issues, and ensuring clean teeth and gums.
What should I expect from a dental checkup?
During a dental checkup, you can expect a review of your medical history, a visual examination of your mouth and oral tissues, X-rays, if necessary, an evaluation of your gums, a professional dental cleaning, oral hygiene advice, screening for oral cancer, discussion of any detected issues and potential treatments, opportunities to ask questions, and scheduling your next appointment. Dental checkups are essential for maintaining oral health, catching problems early, and receiving personalised guidance for your oral hygiene routine.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
It is generally recommended to have a dental checkup every six months. However, the frequency might vary based on your individual oral health needs and any ongoing dental issues. Your dentist will assess your oral health during each visit and provide guidance on how often you should schedule checkups to ensure optimal oral care.