Prepare A Teeth Cleaning Schedule for 2021

After the year that we’ve had, it’s time to make 2021 a year for improvements in our health, diet and life.  Establishing a dental plan and scheduling your dental visits and teeth cleaning twice a year should be on your list of things to do in 2021.

Why See the Dentist Twice a Year?

According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA) you should see your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination every six months. Scheduled times are set at specific intervals because tooth decay develops in a predictable pattern. Unfortunately, when the outer layer of your tooth, known as the enamel, is worn away by dental decay, it cannot grow back.  The longer plaque stays in place, the more it will calcify onto your teeth. Once plaque transforms into tartar, it can only be removed by dental professionals.

Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, you may need to see your dentist more than twice a year. That’s why it’s important to have a scheduled visit with our dentists at Tower Dental to see what they recommend for YOUR teeth. Scheduling dental examinations every six months is an essential part of healthy living.  In between scheduled visits, it’s important to continue to brush and floss every day and pay attention to your oral health.

Other Important Reasons to See Your Dentist Twice a Year

• Oral Cancer Detection – Oral cancer is easily treatable in the early stages. If not diagnosed, it can quickly progress and become life threatening. Saving your life should put regular dental exams at the top of your list of resolutions.
• Head, Neck, and Lymph Node Checks – Besides checking your mouth for oral cancer, your dentist will also check your neck, jaw, and lymph nodes, for any swelling, lumps, or other irregularities. If an abnormality is found it could be a sign of a major health issue, and you will be referred to the appropriate medical professional. Swollen lymph nodes do not necessarily hurt, but our dentists can recognize signs of certain kinds of cancer or other diseases that require immediate attention. Regular dental checkups could prevent you from a serious disease if identified early. 
• Gum Disease – Plaque and tartar buildup cause tooth decay and erode the mouth’s gum tissues. Tartar buildup causes the gums to pull away from the tooth, commonly known as gingivitis. As it progresses, tissue that attaches gums to the teeth breaks down and is formally known as gum disease. At this point you’re likely to have swelling, bleeding, or soreness in the mouth. Gum disease doesn’t only attack the gums, it also causes deterioration of the bone that holds teeth in place. It is common at this point to see teeth working loose or falling out and drastic treatment methods will have to be taken. Treatment of gum disease can include surgery, extremely deep cleaning, and medication. With regular dental appointments, our dentists are able to catch problems, such as gingivitis, where treatment can be initiated before it progresses to that state. If you are concerned and wish to see a periodontist near Kew, Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Camberwell or Mont Albert, call to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly dentists today.
• X-Rays Find Problems in Your Mouth That Are Not Otherwise Detected – Another critical reason to see your dentist every six months is getting your teeth and jaw bone x-rayed. Damage to the jawbone can be detected along with any bone decay, swelling, cysts, or tumors, all of which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Finding these or any other major oral issues as soon as possible is critical in order to properly treat them. Especially with destructive diseases that show little to no symptoms but progress quickly, up-to-date x-rays and twice-a-year checkups are the best way to keep on top of your oral health.

Are Dental Checkups Worth the Effort?

Skipping dental appointments may not seem like a big deal, but oral issues can develop and progress extremely quickly whether or not you notice it. By keeping on top of your dental cleanings and checkups you’re doing yourself a big favour in the long run.

From all of us at Tower Dental, please have a safe New Year!