Ask yourself, when was the last time you had your dental check up? Months or years ago?
If you’re not a regular dental attendee, chances are you are susceptible to gums or dental problems. For example, gingivitis and dental decay. Gum disease not only has some severe consequences for your oral health but can also effect the oral health of those close to you such as babies. Not only that, It is warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke, preterm birth, etc.
There has been much research which indicates that women with periodontal disease are three to five times more likely to give birth to a pre-term baby compared to women without any form of gum disease. A regular checkup at the dentist will allow us to detect possibly serious dental and health problems before they could becoming more serious, giving you and your family piece of mind.
Evaluation of several studies has indicated an increased risk of oral cancer for those with periodontal disease or tooth loss. Hence why, we at Sapphire dentistry believe the gingival health is essential not just for a healthy smile but also for a healthy body. Although you don’t show any symptoms, it is still possible that you may still have some degree of gum disease. Hence, regular dental examinations are vital as your dentist can detect any potential problems that you may not even be aware of.
It is of particular importance to start your kids early in dental visits. Regular checkups and a positive association with the dentist can lead to a better quality of life, lower dental bills for you as a parent as your child grows older as well as potentially a better smile. We do advise though before you go to the dental office, you should never make any promises that you may not be able to keep. Inform your child what they can expect, if you know what our office will be like, you can describe the waiting room. However, you don’t need to try to explain the dental procedures thoroughly, our dental staff are well versed in dealing with children and will introduce your child to everything. Besides that, it is best not to bribe your child or let them know that if they’re good, they’ll get a treat. By doing so, you may induce more worry for the child. If you want to reward them, do it as a surprise after the dental appointment.
Today, the majority of dental offices have gifts especially for young children to explore after their visit. They may even reward them with a nice toy or sticker. Positive reinforcements are needed to ensure that children are being motivated in the future to take care of their oral health themselves.
Checkups are an easy way of early detection that can prevent serious dental health issues from developing. During the checkup, your dentist performs a fast and comfortable digital imaging that allows your dentist easy viewing of your mouth, digital radiographs for panoramic imaging, and lastly, your dentist takes images of the lining of your mouth so you can see what the dentist is seeing the during the examination.
In conclusion, dental checkups are crucial not just for kids but also adults. Do have your dental exams done at the dental office, even here at Sapphire dentistry once every 6 months to ensure continued healthy oral cavity.