Are you worried about the health of your teeth and need advice on how to maintain a good oral hygiene routine? Maybe it has been a few years since your last visit to the dentist and you are now considering booking an appointment. Or you might be experiencing some pain or discomfort in your mouth and are not sure what the cause is. If any of these scenarios apply to you and you are based in the city of Mackay, there’s no need to feel bad or guilty, just booking a consultation at one of the dental practices can help to steer you in the right direction.
What is preventive dentistry?
The phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ is something that all dentists in Mackay believe in, as they focus on trying to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Many dental practices offer preventive dental treatments which when recommended, work to prevent the need for major dental treatment and improve your oral health, which will hopefully mean keeping your teeth for life.
A step in the right direction
Having not been to the dentist for several years, it may be advisable to book an appointment with a dental center (like the one mentioned here https://serphomeliving.com/dental/profile/tabor-dental/) for a regular checkup. This could be your opportunity to voice any dental concerns you may have, and also receive advice with regard to oral care. By having a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth and gums often a dentist is able to keep an eye on any potential problems and recommend the best treatment for you if needed. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months however it is all dependent on the general health of your teeth. By keeping up with your regular check-up appointments, you are ensuring that you are doing your best to maintain your dental health.
Scale and polish
If you do not require any dental treatment, getting regular cleans done by your dentist will help to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Known as a scale and polish, this procedure helps to prevent gum disease. Gum disease occurs when there is a build-up of plaque bacteria in the gums, which is why it is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. But even if you maintain a good oral hygiene regime there are always areas in your mouth which are naturally harder to reach. If there is plaque build-up in these harder to reach places that isn’t removed quickly, the bacteria can accumulate which can form a tough deposit called calculus, which cannot be removed by normal brushing.
When having a ‘scale and polish’ treatment, your dentist or hygienist will firstly remove the deposits of plaque and tartar. After this, your teeth are then polished in order to smooth away any imperfections and rough texture on your teeth to avoid any future plaque build-up.
Depending on the health of your teeth, your dentist will advise on how often you should have a scale and polish. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
