It’s tempting to be sporadic with check-ups at the dentist in Mackay, but there are reasons why dentists recommend that most of our patients come in regularly, every 6 months for a check-up and a scale and polish.
Most dental problems are easily treated in their early stages. Easy to treat, but difficult for the patient to spot. They don’t start being painful or noticeable until they have advanced. By the time the patient realises something is amiss, the dentist in Mackay will have to use a more extensive and therefore more expensive treatment to rectify the problem. Most dentists, such as Northern Beaches Dental in Mackay, will want to see some patients even more often than every 6 months. These include patients who have diabetes, are smokers or are having a baby.
It’s all about the plaque
Decay and gum disease are the 2 main problems. Both are caused by plaque. This is a build-up of a particular kind of bacteria. It avoids being swallowed by sticking to the inside of the mouth, where it proliferates and gives off acids. When the plaque is on the teeth, the acids make holes in the tooth enamel. When it is on or near the gums, the acids inflame and irate the gums, then get underneath them and eat away at the tooth roots and bones. In either case, they pave the way for nasty and painful infections, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Getting rid of plaque
Although we all work hard to get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing, it’s impossible to get it all. Plaque hides out in difficult to reach places. Often only a good scale and polish from the hygienist can get rid of it all.
Other oral health problems
The other big oral health problem that the dentist in Mackay will be looking out for is oral cancer. This is more likely to show up in people over the age of 50 who have been drinkers and smokers. This too is easily treated in its early stages.
Three good reasons to get to the dentist in Mackay twice a year. Maybe now is the time to get back into that good habit.