Dental Check ups
Scale and Clean and Dental Checkup at Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery
Who wouldn’t want to show off a healthy smile for life? At Berwick Dental Clinic & Surgery, we encourage our patients to take a preventative approach to their dental care. That means having regular checkups and scale and cleans that will keep your teeth and gums in great shape. At these visits, we’ll also identify any potential problems and address them straightaway so that they don’t become more complex in the future.
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What to Expect
At your regular checkups, a comprehensive look of your oral health will be taken.
This evaluation includes the following:
An examination of each tooth
An oral cancer screening
A scale and clean, where tartar and plaque buildup are removed, and the teeth polished to a luminous finish
An assessment of the gums and soft tissues of the mouth
Taking X-rays, if needed
Oral hygiene advice
We want you to be able to take control of your oral health, which is why we discuss your home habits with you. We’ll give you any relevant advice on products to use or techniques for brushing and flossing so that you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy between your checkups.
How Often Should I Schedule Teeth Cleanings?
Most dentists, including those at Berwick Dental Clinic, recommend a dental check-up and clean every six months. This frequency allows for early detection of potential issues such as cavities or gum disease.
Regular check-ups help avoid major dental problems
Scheduling biannual teeth cleaning can prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar
However, it’s important to remember that this is a general guideline. The frequency of your dental check-up and clean can vary based on your specific oral health needs. Factors such as age, oral hygiene habits, lifestyle, and your individual medical history can all play a role in determining how often you should have your teeth professionally cleaned.
For instance, if you’re prone to plaque build-up or gum disease, your dentist at Berwick Dental Clinic may recommend more frequent visits.
In addition to professional cleanings, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential. Remember, a healthy mouth is a key part of overall health and wellbeing. So don’t hesitate to schedule your dental check-up and clean today.
Effective Home Practices for Maintaining Clean Teeth
Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond your regular visits to Berwick Dental Clinic. It’s important to establish effective home practices for maintaining clean teeth that complement your professional dental check-ups and cleanings. Here are some key habits to incorporate into your daily routine:
Brushing
At least twice a day is essential, ideally in the morning and the evening. Don’t use the same toothbrush for longer than four months, replace it as soon as the bristles start to fray.
Flossing
This gets the food particles hidden in places your toothbush can’t reach, in between your teeth and also lodged in your gum line. This is essential to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Mouthwash
Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque and bad breath. This adds an extra layer of protection after brushing and flossing.
Diet
It is well known that sugary foods are no good for your health in large quantities and they are not good for your oral health either. Foods high in acid can also damage your teeth and games. Ensure you are eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables lean proteins and dairy products which promote strong and healthy teeth.
Regular Check-ups
Even with diligent at-home care, regular professional cleanings are necessary for optimal dental health. They can catch issues that might not be visible to the naked eye and provide a deeper clean than you will be able to achieve at home.
Comparing At-Home Cleaning with Professional Dentist Cleanings
While maintaining your oral hygiene at home is vital, it doesn’t replace the need for professional dental cleanings. A professional dental check-up and clean involves techniques like EMS Airflow® guided biofilm therapy, which removes biofilm, stains, and young calculus on natural teeth, restorations, and implants in a single procedure. This advanced cleaning method ensures a thorough clean that’s not achievable at home.
Maintaining optimal oral health requires a combination of diligent at-home care and professional dental check-ups and cleanings. The team at Berwick Dental Clinic, along with most dental professionals, advise scheduling a dental check-up and clean every six months. This biannual routine allows for:
- Early detection of potential dental issues such as cavities or gum disease.
- professional removal of plaque and tartar that can’t be achieved through home brushing and flossing.
- Regular monitoring of your overall oral health to make necessary recommendations or changes to your dental care routine.
However, it’s significant to note that these are general guidelines. Your personal oral health needs may necessitate more frequent visits. Factors influencing this could include your age, lifestyle, oral hygiene habits, and medical history. Particularly, if you have a history of plaque build-up or gum disease, more frequent appointments might be beneficial.
In the end, our approach at Berwick Dental Clinic is personalised, taking into account the unique needs and circumstances of each patient. We are committed to delivering exceptional care and results, working closely with you to design a dental care plan tailored to your specific requirements.
Remember, regular at-home cleaning practices like brushing and flossing are crucial companions to your professional dental visits. A proactive approach to your oral health today can save you from potential dental issues in the future. Don’t delay – schedule your dental check up and clean today.
Consequences of Inadequate Dental Hygiene on Your Teeth
Inadequate dental hygiene can have serious implications not just on your oral health, but also on your overall health and well-being. Here’s a more in-depth look at these consequences:
Tooth Decay and Cavities
Without proper dental hygiene, food particles and sugars can remain on your teeth. Bacteria present in your mouth feed on these residues and produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help prevent this.
Gum Disease
Stubborn plaque accumulation on your teeth may lead to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis. Ignoring this issue can escalate to periodontitis, a severe gum disease that may result in tooth loss. Beyond the discomfort, periodontitis can also impact your ability to chew and speak effectively. It’s crucial to address these dental concerns promptly to safeguard your oral health and overall well-being.
Bad Breath and Staining
Poor dental hygiene often results in halitosis, or chronic bad breath. This can be embarrassing and affect your social interactions. Moreover, the build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to teeth staining, diminishing the aesthetic appeal of your smile.
Loss of Self-Confidence
The physical effects of poor dental hygiene, such as bad breath, stained teeth, and tooth loss, can significantly impact your self-confidence and self-esteem. This can affect various aspects of your life, from your professional relationships to your mental health.
Serious Health Problems
Numerous studies have shown a correlation between oral health and systemic health. Poor oral hygiene can increase your risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. For instance, the inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis can enter your bloodstream and affect your heart health.
Cost Considerations: Teeth Cleaning & Scaling Expenses
The cost of a dental check up and clean can vary based on individual needs. At Berwick Dental Clinic, we strive to provide exceptional care and results at affordable prices. We understand that financial considerations can be a barrier to accessing dental care, so we offer a range of payment options. These include Afterpay, Openpay, ZIP, HUMM, in-house direct debit payments for orthodontic treatment, and Superannuation release. We’re also part of HCF preferred providers and the SMILE fee group, and we offer CDBS.
For those interested in teeth whitening, we use the renowned Philips Zoom! Teeth Whitening system, which provides fast and effective results in just one hour. The cost will vary depending on individual treatment plans. Remember, investing in preventative dental care now can save you expensive treatments in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q : How often do I need to return for checkups?
The frequency of your checkups will depend on your level of oral health and history of oral-related diseases. We usually recommend biyearly visits. By coming in every six months, your teeth will stay healthy, and any issues can be addressed straightaway. If you have suffered from gum disease or other serious conditions, we may recommend more frequent visits. We’ll be happy to discuss our recommendations with you during your appointment.
Q : What if I need further treatment?
Your checkups are an excellent opportunity to discuss other treatments that you might be interested in. If your dentist identifies any concerns, they’ll inform you of them and detail all possible treatment options. You can then book in for another appointment for these procedures.
Q : When should a child start to see a dentist?
We recommend that a child have their first checkup appointment shortly after their first teeth erupt. As they get older, we’ll teach them healthy oral habits and ensure that they never develop a fear of the dentist.
Book Your Appointment Today
Are you due for a scale and clean/checkup Berwick? Contact us by phone or email to schedule your visit with us! We’re here for you on Saturdays and are open late.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
