Dental Check Ups; just how important are they? A Shepperton dentist explains

Dental checkups are probably more important than a medical check up, especially as a medical check up will often not involve an inspection of the teeth, says a Shepperton dentist. They are usually every six months, unless you are having an ongoing problem that will often require more frequent visits. At the check up you will have your teeth carefully inspected; using special lighting and magnification the dentist will be able to identify any common problems. These can be tartar build up and gum damage, both of which are common in everyone. By getting a dentist to see your gums and teeth every six months, you will be better equipped to fight tooth decay and especially gum disease. Gum disease can lead to prematurely lost teeth and other medical conditions. Heart disease and diabetes have both been linked to bacteria which are released into the blood stream through gum disease. Sugar and fats that are prevalent in food stuffs are the main cause of gum disease, which by the way is not reversible. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on the most important device you have in your dental arsenal; Oral Hygiene. Most people actually brush and floss their teeth the wrong way, using the wrong brush, your dentist will have a Hygiene Nurse in the practice that will be happy to advise you on the correct procedure. Start at an early age and keep up the habit of regular half yearly visits to your dentist, and you`ll enjoy trouble free teeth for most of your life. Look on it as being a preventative method of expensive treatments and time in the chair, we all hate going to the dentist, but these days it isn`t that bad and almost pain free.