Although we all know that it is important to take care of our mouths and our oral hygiene, often we can still end up needing to see a professional dentist like this dentist Bournemouth based clinic https://gentledentistry.co.uk/ . Of course, we can significantly reduce the risks of having problems with our teeth and gums if we practice good oral hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing and avoiding too much sugar all are good habits, but sometimes there may still be a need to go to the dentist outside of the usual check-up visits.
Here are some of the most common reasons for why people need to see a dentist…
Swelling around the Mouth – If you have an area of swelling in the mouth, then this may well be an abscess. This is usually caused by an infection, so will probably need to be treated with antibiotics as well. It is important to get this seen as soon as you notice it.
Pain – Toothache is, as anyone who has experienced it knows well, very painful, and it can really make you miserable. Pain in a tooth rarely goes away on its own, and in most cases gets worse and worse, so if you have this you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Bleeding Gums – If you notice that your gums are bleeding when you clean your teeth then it is time to see the dentist as this may be gum disease. If left, gum disease can cause you to lose teeth and also has been linked to heart disease as it lets bacteria into the bloodstream.
Why plaque builds up and how to limit it
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. It becomes a problem because food particles, sugar and yet more bacteria cling to it, and over time that build-up can lead to cavities.
Good daily care is the first line of defence. Brush twice a day with toothpaste, floss every day and use a good quality brush. Cutting back on sugary foods also helps, because sugar adds to the plaque and feeds the bacteria that cause decay.
Floss, mouthwash and polishes bought over the counter can all help to reduce plaque, but they do not replace a professional check. A dentist can remove leftover food particles and any tartar that has already built up, and can advise on treatments that suit you and are safe to use at any age. Keeping on top of plaque is one of the most worthwhile reasons to book a regular appointment.
Why regular check-ups matter even with good brushing
Brushing twice a day is essential, but it is not the whole story. Even with a good routine, plaque builds up in places a toothbrush and mouthwash cannot reach. Left alone, it leads to decay, pain and eventually lost teeth. A dentist can remove plaque from those hard-to-reach areas and help keep it under control.
Gum health is another reason to keep appointments. A dentist can spot early signs of gum disease before they become severe, and treating it early reduces its impact considerably.
A check-up is also about more than teeth. Dentists are experts in the whole mouth and can look for signs of other problems, including cancer of the mouth and throat. Catching something like that early can be life saving, which makes a routine visit far more valuable than it might first appear.