Check up and Clean

Dental Check-Up and Cleaning Narellan

Dental Check-Up and Clean

Somerset Dental Care provide dental check-up and cleans to patients of all ages. Our friendly team encourage patients to have regular check-ups every six months. This allows you to prevent any dental problems from becoming serious issues later.

Why get a professional clean?

At your initial consultation, we make a thorough examination to evaluate the health of your teeth and gums. Regular professional teeth cleaning removes hardened deposits (tartar) that cannot be removed at home. Tartar causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Cleaning also includes a polish to remove superficial stains and a fluoride application to strengthen teeth.

Why should I have fluoride treatment?

You may not know it, but your teeth are attacked by acid every day. Acid is produced naturally when the bacteria in plaque break down the sugars and carbohydrates we eat, but it also undermines the structure of the tooth, causing decay.

Though we get fluoride from our food and water, we often don’t get enough to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride treatment at your dentist can actually reverse the effects of acid attacks on your teeth.

Research has shown that fluoride strengthens the structure of the tooth by ‘remineralising’ it, so that the damage is repaired, and the tooth becomes more resistant to acid.

How do X-rays help?

Dental X-rays provide valuable information about your oral health, both teeth and gums. X-rays are another tool that helps us detect dental problems at an early stage to save you time, money and unnecessary discomfort.

How often should I have an X-ray?

We review your history, examine your mouth and then decide whether or not you need an X-ray. In a healthy person, we often recommend an X-ray every two years. If your teeth are causing you trouble, we may recommend more frequent X-rays.

For new patients, we can use X-rays to establish a baseline of your oral health for future comparisons. If your previous dentist has taken X-rays, we may request copies with your consent, and use them for comparison as well.

Aren’t X-rays dangerous?

Fortunately, radiation exposure from dental X-rays is extremely low, equivalent to a few days’ environmental background exposure. But just to be on the safe side, we use a leaded thyroid collar to protect the thyroid from radiation for women of childbearing age, pregnant women and children.

What if I am pregnant?

Untreated dental infections can pose a risk to unborn babies. So sometimes, an X-ray might be needed for dental treatment that can’t wait until after your baby is born. We assess each situation on a case-by-case basis and if an X-ray is necessary we use a leaded apron to prevent exposure to the baby.

What if I’m trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding?

Dental X-rays do not need to be delayed if you are trying to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. But we are more than happy to discuss any concerns you may have.

If you would like to know more, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.

FAQs

The answer is both yes and no. It is important to note that sugar-free gum has been showed to prevent plaque buildup in child’s teeth. If as a parent you do allow your child to have chewing gum that contains sugar then you are exposing them to potential plaque buildup. Here some considerations:

  • The child must be at an age where they understand that they shouldn’t swallow chewing gum.
  • The chewing gum must be sugar-free
  • Chewing gum after a meal to help get rid of food stuck in the mouth (if they aren’t home and won’t be able to brush their teeth immediately after the meal)
  • Chewing gum helps to strengthen their jaw
  • Chewing gum can give them fresh breath

A study by the Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll reported in 2018 that “one-third of preschoolers have never seen a dentist and that most parents believe children don’t need to see one until they are three years old.” Further to this, the study noted that “one-quarter of preschoolers in Australia had tooth decay that required filling by the early primary school with one in ten requiring extraction. ”

This goes to show that poor oral hygiene is not only prevalent but children are taken to the dentist too late in their lives. Poor oral hygiene includes not seeing the dentist often from the time of their first teeth erupt. It includes your child not brushing their teeth twice a day, not flossing and eating foods that have high sugar and acid content.

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of issues but the more common cause is poor oral hygiene. This is when people don’t brush their teeth twice a day, they don’t floss, or don’t scrape their tongue. This leaves room for bacteria and plaque to build up in the mouth and results in bad breath. Gum diseases such as gingivitis can cause bad breath.

Your dental health is largely dependent on your daily oral hygiene regime. It is imperative that you brush your teeth twice and floss a minimum of once a day. Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities from occurring. Something that many people forget is to brush their tongues. Brushing your tongue at least once a day is very important because it removes both the bacteria that causes plaque as well as leftover food particles. Brushing your tongue also helps keep your breath fresh. Remember to schedule your dental appointments ahead of time and we would recommend that you visit us at least every 6 months.

Cavities are caused by tooth decay which is a result of the build-up of plaque caused by the starches and sugars found within food and drinks. It is this same plaque that produces the acid that is able to wear away at the enamel of your teeth. They come in the appearance of small holes that form from within the tooth to the outside. If cavities are left untreated they may lead to more serious health problems. In some cases where a cavity gets too big a patient may need to get a filling put in. Cavities can be prevented by brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, and regularly visiting your dentist.

If you have braces you absolutely must go in for regular dental check-ups at least every 6 months. It is even more imperative for patients who have had or are undergoing orthodontic treatment to visit their dentist regularly. It is easier to catch food in places that a toothbrush cannot reach when you have braces and this build-up, if not removed, can have a severe negative impact on your dental health. Two examples of this are cavities and tooth decay. Another important thing to ensure is that your dentist and orthodontist are in contact with one another so that they are both aware of everything that pertains to your oral health.

Dental check-ups are still important for your oral health even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. When you go in for a check-up, you get a professional clean that removes plaque and tartar which, if regularly left untreated, will cause issues like cavities and periodontal disease. By coming in for these check-ups you reduce the chances of you acquiring major dental diseases which would cause you acute pain and expensive treatment down the line. We recommend that you schedule your check-ups every 6 months and more frequently if you have a history of oral problems or if you have braces.

An easy and effective way to maintain your smile after your check-up is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth, at least, twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash will help you to keep your gums and teeth healthy. An important thing to remember to do is to also brush your tongue. Many patients forget this step; however, it is necessary for preventing an excess build-up of plaque in your mouth. Not only will these four things help you maintain your smile, they will also help to prevent oral and dental issues like activities, tooth rot and periodontal disease.

Cavities are small holes that form on the inside of your teeth due to tooth decay. Tooth decay and cavities are caused by the build-up of plaque left on the teeth from starch and sugars found in food. The acid that plaque produces is what eats away at the enamel on your teeth. More serious issues may arise if you leave your cavities untreated, such as periodontal disease and the partial or total loss of some of your teeth. However, you can prevent cavities by practising good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing daily) and attending your regular dentist appointments for professional cleanings.

Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and a size that fits your mouth comfortably. Look for toothpaste with fluoride and the ADA Seal of Approval. Consider your specific needs, such as sensitivity or tartar control. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Consult your dentist for personalised advice.

Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices and adopting healthy habits. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent gum disease:

  1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  2. Floss daily to clean between teeth and along the gumline.
  3. Use mouthwash.
  4. Avoid smoking and tobacco use.
  5. Maintain a healthy diet and limit sugary foods.
  6. Drink water to keep your mouth hydrated.
  7. Manage stress.
  8. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  9. Be aware of your risk factors and inform your dentist.

By following these preventive measures and maintaining good oral health habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and enjoy a healthier smile. Remember, early detection and timely treatment are essential, so don’t skip regular dental check-ups.

For most people, visiting the dentist every six months is recommended. However, some may need more frequent visits based on their individual oral health needs and risk factors. Consult with your dentist to determine the best schedule for you. Regular visits are crucial for early detection and preventive care.