Any good dentist will tell you that the best way to achieve excellent oral health is with regular dental check-ups. At Hyde Park Dental Care in Sydney, we believe that prevention is far better than any treatment. Whether you suffer from anxiety with regards to making an appointment or you simply don’t feel like it’s necessary to pay us a visit, we strongly encourage you to think differently about the importance of regular dental check-ups. There are a multitude of reasons why regular dental check-ups are so vital to your dental and oral health and coming in a few times a year can save not only your teeth but also a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on trying to treat any concerns. But these check-ups are only as effective as the professionals who provide them and at Hyde Park Dental Care our highly-trained team strive every single day to exceed your expectations in an environment that is comfortable and compassionate. Our Principal Dentist, Dr Brian Joffe, has a wealth of experience both abroad and here in Australia and is supported by a network of oral health professionals who are sincerely invested in helping you achieve your goals. So what should a dental check-up entail? First off it is important to note that we recommend a dental check-up at least every six months so that we can stay on top of any concerns you may develop and to treat them as they occur. If you allow your oral health to spiral, the damage that is done between visits can be irreversible and you could even end up losing your teeth. During your dental check-up appointments with us, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and may possibly take some X-rays to check for any signs of decay. Dr Joffe uses a state-of-the-art intra-oral camera that is able to detect decay, any expired fillings and cracks in your teeth. By using the latest tooth cleaning technology we can professionally clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar that can build up over time. Plaque can cause your teeth to be stained and decayed and if it is left too long on your teeth it can be extremely detrimental to your oral health in a number of ways. We will examine your gums as well and check for any signs of gum disease including periodontitis and gingivitis. This is also a critical area of concern as gum disease has been known to cause a whole raft of other problems not least of all tooth loss. Gum disease is notoriously difficult to self-diagnose and the only way to properly check for its prevalence is by coming in to see us. You may not even feel the effects of gum disease until it’s too late and often by the time patients come in complaining of pain too much damage has already been done. Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the body which is caused by smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol, which is why we will also conduct an oral cancer examination. We will also check for discrepancies in the alignment of your teeth and any dysfunction of your temporomandibular joint in your jaw. How can you maintain your oral health at home? Your own attitude toward oral health also has a major role to play in keeping these problems at bay. Of course, brushing your teeth twice a day and angling your toothbrush at 45 degrees to clean under your gum line. Flossing daily is also recommended to remove the build-up of plaque and debris that can’t be reached with normal brushing. If you experience any pain or bleeding while you brush or floss then you should get in touch immediately. To find out more about our dental check-ups procedure, or to make an appointment with us, please click here. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.