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A recent report into the habits of UK adults has revealed some fascinating facts. People under the age of 34 attend the dentist frequently for cosmetic treatments but not for regular checkups. Although this may be partly because people generally have healthier teeth, it appears to be more to do with people failing to understand the benefits of a six-month dental examination. Have you ever wondered if dental checkups really matter? Read on to learn just why you really shouldn’t be skipping them, and why keeping your dental appointments in 2019 could be the best new year’s resolution you’ve ever made.

Prevention is better than cure

Just as in the medical world, the same is true when it comes to all things dental. Even if you were to equip yourself with a set of dental mirrors and take the time to examine your own teeth and gums, you would likely miss vital clues that an experienced dentist would recognise as early signs of gum disease or tooth decay. What looks like a healthy smile to you may be masking problems that are only apparent to the trained eye.

It is far better to see the dentist regularly and ensure that preventative action can be taken than to wait until potentially painful symptoms develop. Apart from the inconvenience, once you begin to experience pain or discomfort it may be too late and eventually costly and uncomfortable dental treatment is inevitable. Your dentist may also recommend that you attend the hygienist, who is able to offer a range of prophylactic treatments as well as being able to advise you on every aspect of oral hygiene.

Both your dentist and hygienist are always happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have, and can help you to introduce changes to make your oral hygiene regime even more effective, taking into account personal factors such as your lifestyle.

A regular dental checkup is by far the best way to ensure that your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible and that you never end up needing an emergency visit to the dentist.

Benefits of a comprehensive checkup

Did you know that going to the dentist is not just about your teeth? Dentists are trained to recognise early symptoms of oral cancer, which has been proven to considerably increase survival rates among those diagnosed with this deadly disease.

Mouth cancers are more common in people over 40, particularly men. However, research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women. There are more than 640,000 cases of mouth cancer diagnosed each year worldwide and it is the eleventh most common cancer.

In the UK, more than 2,300 people die from mouth cancer every year and many of these deaths could be prevented if the cancer was diagnosed early enough. As it is, people with mouth cancer are more likely to die than those having cervical cancer or melanoma skin cancer.

Your dentist will carry out this examination as part of a routine dental check-up. It is worth remembering that your dental team can see parts of your mouth that you cannot see easily yourself.

Dentists can also recognise symptoms of gum disease, which can cause bad breath (halitosis), receding gums and even tooth failure. With gum disease now known to have wider health implications and the potential to increase your risk of developing other, more serious illnesses, this alone is a good reason not to avoid your five minutes in the dentist’s chair.

To book a checkup now or enquire about becoming a member of the award winning Sharoe Green Dental Practice this year, call our friendly team today on Preston 01772 718753.