Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral hygiene. However, there are no set guidelines from the World Health Organisation regarding the recommended frequency of dental visits. This is because oral health will vary between individuals. If you are prone to oral health issues, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental visits than those of other patients. However, the consensus among dentists is that a check-up should be done once or twice a year.
Tips to Avoid Dental Visits
How can you lower the risk of oral health issues and lessen the frequency needed for dental check-ups?
First, brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth will remove the bacteria that form a coating on your teeth. This bacterium, known as plaque, needs to be removed to prevent cavities from forming on your teeth. Regular tooth brushing also helps stimulate the gums. This stimulation promotes healthy gums, which help prevent gum disease from progressing further.
When brushing your teeth, make sure you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral that is absorbed by the enamel coating of your teeth. When fluoride is absorbed, it helps repair this enamel coating in a process known as remineralisation. Fluoride can also be found in drinking water. Make sure your water is fluoridated. Most bottled water is not fluoridated, so opt for tap water whenever possible, as many governments add fluoride at water treatment plants. This is an initiative supported by the World Health Organisation.
Dental flossing also helps keep your dentist at bay. Brushing cannot remove food or plaque that becomes trapped between your teeth. How many times have you had a steak and some fatty part of the meat has become trapped between your teeth? If this were not removed through flossing, it would become a ticking time bomb, potentially leading to tooth decay or gum disease. Flossing should be done at least once a day, and it's essential to avoid injuring your gums by being too rough or invasive when inserting the floss between your teeth.
The use of mouthwash can aid in the prevention of oral hygiene issues. Most mouthwashes contain fluoride, an essential ingredient that helps protect and rebuild tooth enamel. Mouthwash also provides the bonus of freshening your breath, which is especially helpful if you've just had a meal containing garlic.
Last, but certainly not least, your diet will play a significant role in the health of your teeth. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, especially sticky, sweet treats that can stick to the enamel of your teeth. Food and beverages containing sugar will constantly expose your teeth to acids. These acids will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Throw out the sugary snacks and opt for healthier options, such as cheese, vegetables or yoghurt. If you do have a sugary snack, brush and floss your teeth directly afterwards.
Questions about Dental Hygiene in Wahroonga, NSW?
You will never be able to eliminate visits to the dentist (nor should you want to!). However, you can help lessen the risk of oral health issues by properly caring for your teeth. Following good oral hygiene practices should enable you to limit the number of dental check-ups to one per year.