The Benefits of Biannual Dental Checkups

One of the best ways to improve oral hygiene is to include regular dental checkups in your oral care routine. Routine checkups aren’t just a “good” thing to do when you have time. They play a key role in preserving the health and quality of your smile. Biannual oral health evaluations from West London Orthodontist Cosmetic Dental Studios can help prevent dental issues that can ruin your smile. Here are some questions we’re often asked about dental checkups at our West London, UK dental office.

Are biannual dental checkups really necessary?

Absolutely! Biannual dental visits are vital to your dental health. Through routine checkups, Dr. Chaw-Su Kyi can spot dental problems you may miss, such as early warning signs of gum disease. If caught early enough, gum disease can be reversed. Left undetected, it can lead to bleeding gums, receding gums and early tooth loss. Detecting problems early enables us to nip them in the bud before they cause irreparable damage to your smile. Dr. Kyi can even keep problems from occurring by regularly monitoring your oral health.

What happens during a dental exam and cleaning?

During an oral exam, Dr. Kyi will inspect your teeth, gums and jaws for signs of infection, decay or disease. We may take x-rays to check for hidden issues below the gum line or between your teeth. After your exam, we’ll perform a dental cleaning to rid your mouth of plaque and tartar buildup that home oral care misses. Our hygienist uses special dental tools to clean your teeth, focusing on the areas that are hard for you to reach. Finally, we’ll polish your teeth to leave them smooth and shiny. Keeping plaque and tartar in check minimizes problems with decay and gum disease.

How often should I have a dental checkup?

Dr. Kyi recommends you come in for a checkup and cleaning twice annually. That gives us a chance to monitor the state of your teeth. You may need extra cleanings if you regularly get cavities or show signs of gum disease. Otherwise, you, your kids, and your teens should schedule biannual exams and cleanings.

Do dental cleanings hurt?

No. Routine cleanings shouldn’t cause pain. If you’re prone to dental anxiety, the noises associated with the dental environment may cause slight discomfort. But the cleaning itself should be pain-free.

How long does a typical checkup and cleaning take?

If you’re seeing your dentist regularly, your checkup and cleaning may take between 45 minutes and an hour to complete, or a bit longer if we’re taking x-rays. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, you can expect to spend more time in the dental chair, as you’re bound to have quite a bit of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth.

Where can I go for dental checkups and cleanings near me?

If you live in or near West London, you can contact Dr. Chaw-Su Kyi from West London Orthodontist Cosmetic Dental Studios at 020 8222 8760 to schedule dental checkups and cleanings.