Off to the dentist

Why visit the dentist?

Many of us realise that we have to do things we don't like or which we fear once in a while in order to gain a positive outcome.

Take flying for example. Many of us dislike or fear flying but do it to get to our hot, sunny holiday destination! Take the weekly shopping trip as another example. Some of us find it a chore but we do it so that we can conquer our hunger with a range of delicious and satisfying treats. A trip to the dentist is no different.

1. Oral cancer screening

Oral cancer is a malignant growth that can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue and lips. Use of tobacco or alcohol can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Cases of the disease are on the rise and the mortality rate is a shocking 60% but early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

The dentist carries out oral screening as part of a standard check-up.

2. Improving the appearance of your teeth

We all want to feel comfortable about smiling in public and not feel conscious about the appearance of our teeth.

The dentist can assess your teeth and suggest and carry out a range of treatment options to help improve their look, from implants if you wish to make a gap between your teeth disappear to veneers if you wish to transform stained, damaged or badly worn teeth.

3. Eliminating dental and mouth conditions

Tooth decay (a disease of the enamel, dentine and cementum, caused by plaque bacteria, dietary sugars, acid attacks and susceptible tooth surface) and gum disease (the result of too much plaque bacteria residing around the teeth and gums and results in the gums becoming red and swollen, bleeding when brushing, bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth) can be avoided if you look after your teeth and gums and visit the dentist at intervals appropriate to your personal oral health situation.

The dentist and/or the hygienist can remove excessive plaque and carry out a scale and polish to preserve the life of your teeth and prevent disease.

4. Gaining advice to improve oral health routine

Your dentist will be able to advise you of the most suitable oral hygiene plan and any improvements you may need to make to your oral health routine, whether this is by recommending a different toothpaste or toothbrush or explaining the benefits of using dental floss and mouthwash.

5. Restoring teeth

Even though we may be careful with our teeth we sometimes find ourselves with a toothache or broken tooth.

If this is the case it is important to seek professional, specialist assistance from your dentist as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving your tooth. Avoid the temptation of resorting to home DIY techniques which increase the risk of infection and permanent damage.

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