A dental checkup includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, mouth, and saliva. A dental examination, like brushing and flossing, is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine. Dental hygiene refers to anything that helps keep your mouth healthy and prevents dental disorders. The two most common dental disorders are gum disease and tooth decay.
Dental examinations are often performed at a dental clinic by a dentist, dental hygienist, oral health therapist, dental therapist, or, on rare occasions, a dental student. Frequent inspections can help you uncover potential problems early on, when they are easier to treat.
Who needs dental examinations?
Everyone should start attending the dentist when they are 12 months old or when their first teeth erupt. Even if you believe you are healthy and have good teeth, you should still get a dental checkup.
What makes dental examinations important?
Routine examinations by a dentist can help you keep your teeth, gums, and overall mouth healthy and effective. They can check for oral cancer, assess whether you need fillings or other dental work fixed or replaced, and look for other bad behaviors like smoking and teeth grinding. A dentist can examine your mouth to see how other parts of your body, such as your gut and heart, are functioning.
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing potential issues. For those in the Elwood area, finding reliable professionals is crucial. Elwood dentists offer comprehensive services that cater to both routine examinations and more specialized treatments. Their expertise ensures that any dental concerns are addressed promptly, providing peace of mind and a healthier smile. By scheduling regular visits, patients can benefit from personalized care and advice tailored to their specific needs. This proactive approach not only helps in early detection of problems but also fosters a positive relationship with dental care, making each visit a comfortable and reassuring experience.
A dentist is the ideal individual to detect and treat any problems with your mouth and teeth as early as possible, before they become uncomfortable, expensive, and difficult to treat.
What happens if you don’t get regular dental exams?
If you do not have regular checkups, you may increase your chance of developing dental diseases such as gum disease or tooth decay. A variety of chronic ailments, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, have been related to poor dental hygiene. Oral cancer is a severe health condition that may go unnoticed.
What does a dental exam entail?
Typically, a dental exam will include:
- Describe your medical and dental history, including previous dental treatments, prescription medicines, and allergies.
- Examine your mouth for tooth decay, bleeding gums, and proper tooth alignment.
- An x-ray to check for tooth decay, oral infections, teeth that haven’t passed through your gums properly, damage to your jaw bone, and major health problems like a tumor.
- Advice on how to brush and floss your teeth and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Preventative care like fluoride and polishing. You might also receive advice on eating and personal hygiene.
Is a dental exam secure?
Dental exams are safe, sure. Dental examinations and procedures may induce anxiety in certain people. Dental anxiety may cause patients to postpone or avoid important examinations or treatments.
Inform your dentist or their staff if you are nervous about your next dental exam. They can go above and above to alleviate any pain or suffering you may be experiencing.
How soon should I see the dentist?
You should have a checkup every six to twelve months. However, because it is dependent on the overall state of your teeth, a dentist can advise you on how regularly you should schedule a checkup.
Consult your dentist in addition to your regular examinations if:
- Your mouth hurts.
- Your face expands.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- Your teeth are damaged.
- You are concerned about your dental health, or something feels strange in your mouth.
What is the cost of a dental exam?
A dental exam can be scheduled at either a public or private clinic. Public dental facilities include community and school dental clinics, as well as mobile clinics. Long waiting lists may exist for appointments with public dentists.
The majority of dental examinations are performed in private clinics, and Medicare does not cover them. Private health insurance may provide coverage for certain general and specialty dental expenses. Before you travel, contact your insurer to find out what is covered. Private health insurance may also provide partial coverage for hospital stays and dental procedures.
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) allows eligible children aged 0 to 17 to obtain basic dental care for little or no cost. No application or registration is necessary for CDBS. If your child qualifies, you will receive a letter from Services Australia. If in doubt, call the Medicare program line at 132 011 or access your Medicare online account using your MyGov account.
Check to check if your child is eligible for the CDBS.
Resources and Assistance
- The Australian Dental Association may provide useful information on your toddler’s first dental appointment and how to prepare for it.
- The Australian Dental Association’s website provides advice for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people on how to visit the dentist.
- Visit the Australian Dental Association’s website to discover more about dental health in your age group.
- Learn more about pediatrics and dental care.
- Furthermore, state-specific information about venues, procedures, and prices can be found here:
- Australian Capital Territory — ACT Health.
- New South Wales — NSW Health.
- Northern Territory — Department of Health.
- Queensland — Queensland Health.
- South Australia — SA Dental.
- Tasmania — Oral Health Tasmania.
- Victoria — Department of Health.
- Western Australia — Dental Health Services.
