Why are dental preventive examinations so important?

Preventive dental checkups are an often overlooked part of health care, but they play a key role in maintaining healthy teeth and oral cavity. Many people put off going to the dentist until they experience pain or another problem. However, regular examinations can prevent not only tooth decay and pain, but also more serious diseases that can affect overall health.

In this article, we will show why regular visits to the dentist should be part of your healthy lifestyle and what benefits preventive checkups bring.

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What is a dental preventive examination?

A preventive examination at the dentist is an integral part of oral health care. During it, the dentist performs a comprehensive examination of the oral cavity, checks the condition of the teeth, gums, tongue and the entire environment of the oral cavity. An important part of the examination is also the search for tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis and other health problems, including dental abscesses, infections or even oral cancer.

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Why are preventive examinations so important?

1. Detection of problems at an early stage

Many problems, such as tooth decay, do not show visible symptoms at first. The dentist can detect them even before they develop into serious diseases that would require more demanding treatment. The earlier the problem is identified, the easier and less painful its treatment will be.

2. Detection of symptoms of the general state of health

The oral cavity can be a mirror of overall health. Some health problems, such as diabetes, osteoporosis or vitamin deficiency, can affect the condition of the teeth and gums. A dentist can recognize these symptoms and recommend further necessary examinations.

3. Prevention of painful and costly interventions

Regular check-ups help prevent painful and expensive treatments. Treating minor problems such as surface cavities is much easier and less expensive than treating advanced decay, root canals or tooth extraction.

4. Education and counseling

The dentist is your partner in oral hygiene care. During a preventive check-up, he can give you valuable advice on proper brushing technique, the use of interdental appliances and other tools to maintain oral health.

How often should you have a preventive checkup?

It is recommended to go for a preventive check-up at least once a year. For children under 18 and pregnant women, it is recommended to visit the dentist twice a year, as they are more susceptible to tooth decay. The exact interval of visits depends on your oral health, so it is important to consult your dentist.

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What can you expect from a preventive inspection?

• Examination: The dentist thoroughly examines the teeth, gums, tongue and the entire oral cavity. He will check the state of tooth enamel, the presence of cavities and inflammation.

• X-ray: If necessary, the dentist can take an X-ray to reveal problems invisible to the naked eye, such as hidden cavities or root problems.

• Advice: The dentist will give you recommendations on oral hygiene and explain how to prevent problems that were detected during the examination.

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Conclusion

Regular dental preventive examinations are the basis for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. They help detect and solve problems in time, prevent complications, pain and expensive treatments. In addition, they can reveal signs of general health problems. Prevention is always better than cure, so don't hesitate to book an appointment and take the next step towards a healthy smile!

and take the next step towards a healthy smile!

Author of the article: MDDr. Laura Hantke Lukáčová