Why is it important to visit the dentist in Plymouth?
Visiting the dentist in Plymouth on a regular basis is vital for achieving and maintaining good oral and general health, as well as having a smile that induces confidence. Here at Meavy Way Dental Practice, we provide preventive care as well as a range of treatments to fix any issues and restore the smile so that it is healthy and attractive.
Why go for a check-up?
Getting regular check-ups with the dentist in Plymouth helps to prevent minor issues from becoming serious difficulties that require a lot of treatment. In this sense, we can help patients to save time and money by keeping the requirement for intervention to a minimum.
Many people put off going to the dentist in Plymouth until there is an obvious problem or they are experiencing discomfort or pain. During a regular check-up, we provide a thorough examination that enables us to identify the earliest stages of cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer. The earlier these are spotted, the more treatable they are.
Advice on oral care
Many people are not sure about the best way to brush their teeth or how to floss effectively. We give advice on brushing and flossing techniques, and on the best tools and products to use. We can check for signs of poor oral hygiene and give tailored support on how to improve the appearance of the smile as well as how to ensure that the breath is always minty fresh.
Professional clean
Regardless of how vigilant a patient is about keeping their teeth and gums clean at home, there is almost always a residual amount of plaque that builds up over time. This can cause the breath to smell and the gums to become infected. Infection in the gums results in inflammation and can make the mouth sore and sensitive to brushing and other activities such as eating and drinking. If this is allowed to continue, then the patient may go on to develop advanced gum disease. There is then an increased risk of tooth loss.
Getting a professional clean with the hygienist as part of the regular check-up can help to prevent inflammation and infection. We remove the plaque and tartar before it causes the deterioration of the gums. If this is done every few months, then the patient can expect to enjoy good oral health and an attractive smile that they take pride in.
Maintaining general health
If the gums become inflamed, then it is not just the patient’s mouth that is impacted by this. Inflammation in the mouth often spreads to other parts of the body, and the result is that several conditions and diseases are much more likely to occur. The patient who has untreated gum disease is at high risk of having issues relating to their heart and lungs. They are also more inclined to develop arthritis, a condition that can be debilitating as it progresses. Dementia is more common in those with gum disease, an illness that is often devastating for the patient and their loved ones.