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EspañolThe routine check-up is the most common reason to see a dentist. This is when we develop your Preventive Care Plan together with you and is when we listen to your concerns and goals.
Regular visits mean that we can detect issues such as dental decay, gum disease and chronic infection in the early stages minimising the need for complex treatments later on. We recommend that you come for a routine examination every 6 months.
And your oral health is also linked to your general health and well-being. Recent studies have shown that chronic infection of the gums or teeth can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including infection of the lining of the heart and heart valves (endocarditis), and during pregnancy to premature birth. Current research is looking at potential links to dementia.
So, looking after your teeth and gums benefits all of you. Not just your smile.
Here is our 8 point check covering every aspect of your oral health.
01
Medical history
At your first visit, we will review your medical history. We will then regularly review this information with you as changes to your overall health, as well as any medication you are taking, can affect your oral health. We need to know about any conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnancy and allergies.
02
Oral hygiene
We comprehensively health check your teeth and gums looking for any areas that could be prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
03
Fillings and crowns
If you already have any fillings and crowns, we always make sure they are still performing well and not creating problems. We often use x-rays to check under fillings for hidden decay.
04
Bite and jaw
We assess how your teeth meet when you bite and how they move across each other. We look for any signs of tooth wear caused through teeth clenching (bruxism) or misaligned bite, as both can have adverse effects on your overall oral health in the long term.
05
X-rays
We routinely take x-rays to check areas we want to see in more detail. X-rays allow us to identify any cavities or damage invisible to the naked eye, as well as bone loss or hidden signs of infection.
06
Oral cancer check
We screen for oral cancer looking for any issues such as unusual lumps on the inner cheek or tongue.
07
Smile concerns
This is a great opportunity for you to tell us about any concerns you have about your smile. We can advise about cosmetic treatments from home tooth whitening to full “smile design” and complex restoration.
08
Home care and diet advice
Of course, we can keep an eye on any problems but much of the hard work takes place at home. We will give you tailored advice about your brushing regime at home. And dietary advice.
Regular hygiene visits are essential for lasting oral and general health and a healthy smile. This is when we thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from the surfaces. This combination of our work and a great oral regime at home prevents tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath and more.
Why are hygiene appointments important?
Your oral health is the foundation for having a beautiful smile. We always make sure your gums are as healthy as possible when considering cosmetic work, especially orthodontics. Our dental team is best placed to maintain your gum health as they are trained in assessing, tracking and treating gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to serious problems such as tooth loss and premature ageing from the resulting bone loss in the jaw.
What do hygiene appointments involve?
There are three stages to our hygiene appointments.
Assessment Our dental team first carries out an BPE (basic periodontal examination). This records any signs of gum disease so your dentist will know which areas need the most attention.
Cleaning The next stage is a very thorough clean when we remove build-up of calcified deposits from your teeth. We then polish these clean surfaces. Your smile will now be stain-free, your teeth will feel smooth and be easier for you to clean.
Prevention As much of the hard work can only happen at home, we will advise you on the best way for you to look after your teeth, including cleaning techniques and possible diet changes.
