But why is it necessary to have your teeth checked? You can find out on this page, where we also explain what is done during a dental checkup - and answer a handful of other questions about the treatment.
Why is a dental checkup so important?
A dental check-up is important for everyone. It's during check-ups that we can detect potential cavities or dental diseases. And while tooth decay, periodontal disease and other dental diseases may show up as symptoms, you may not always notice any damage that has occurred over time.
That's why a dental check-up is a treatment you can't underestimate. After all, your teeth need to last a lifetime. That's why it's important to keep up with your regular dental check-ups.
What do I get checked during a dental checkup?
During a dental check-up, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and check them for caries - also known as tooth decay.
As a standard procedure, we will always do a dental cleaning. By cleaning your teeth, we remove all the bacteria, plaque and tartar that has settled at the gum line. If left there for too long, it can cause gingivitis, which can eventually develop into periodontal disease.
After we have cleaned your teeth and removed all tartar and plaque, we finish by brushing your teeth. By brushing your teeth, we can remove some of the discoloration that can occur naturally over time.
What is plaque and tartar?
Plaque is the whitish coating that forms on the tooth surface during the day. Plaque is formed by bacteria, and when calcium precipitates from saliva, it turns into calcium - also known as tartar. Most people who have had a dental cleaning have had the experience of scraping the back of their teeth down by the gums.
It may seem a little harsh to some, but don't worry. It's just because the dentist or dental hygienist is removing the tartar. It can sometimes get really stuck and be difficult to remove, and for good reason, it can be more noticeable on you lying in the chair.
However, it's important to remove tartar as it can cause permanent damage to your teeth.
Do dental check-ups and cleanings hurt?
Normally, neither dental check-ups nor teeth cleaning are painful. On the contrary, most people enjoy the smooth and clean feeling that the treatment leaves on their teeth. However, some patients may experience soreness when we clean and polish. This can be due to sore gums, exposed necks and a number of other causes.
Should you experience any pain or discomfort when we clean your teeth, you should of course let us know right away. At the clinic, we understand dental anxiety and discomfort when getting comfortable in the dental chair. That's why we actively work to alleviate your fear or nervousness, and we always aim for pain-free treatment.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
As mentioned, it's important for everyone to keep up with regular dental visits. However, there are differences in how often you should have a dental check-up.
In 2015, a new reform came into effect, which means that patients are now categorized as red, yellow or green. The colors are used to determine the interval between your dental visits.
If you are green, you do not have active disease in your teeth or gums - and you will only be called for an examination every 12-24 months.
If you are yellow, however, you will have active disease in your mouth - or be at risk of developing it. In this case, you will be called in for check-ups at more regular intervals and you will receive individualized treatment.
If you are a red patient, it means you have active disease and are unable to change your risk factors. In this case, our role as clinicians will be to prevent and treat, and we will call you in as needed rather than at a fixed interval. As a red patient, you will usually be called in more often than a yellow patient.
You can read more about the red, yellow or green categories here.
What can you do to take care of your teeth?
In addition to keeping your dental appointments, there are also everyday things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful for a long time.
Firstly, it's important to brush all sides of your teeth at least twice a day - preferably with toothpaste containing fluoride. Fluoride has a protective and even repairing effect on teeth.
What you eat also has a big impact on how your teeth will behave in the future. Sticky foods in particular are very bad for your teeth. Caramels and crisps fall into this category as they can sit on your teeth for longer than other foods.
Sugary drinks also fall into the category of things you should consume in moderation. It can be especially harmful if your teeth don't get the care they need in terms of brushing and flossing.
Flossing is therefore also a particularly good tool for keeping caries away from the teeth. This is because the toothbrush can't always reach between all the teeth.
Therefore, remember to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Always use toothpaste with fluoride
- Flossing on a regular basis
- Avoid sticky sweet foods
- Avoid too many sugary drinks.
Not sure if your teeth are being brushed correctly? Read the toothbrushing guide "how to brush your teeth correctly".
Contact us and get advice
If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
- I look forward to meeting you in the clinic.
- Dental hygienist
Adam was born in 1996 and graduated from the University of Copenhagen at the School of Clinical Assistants and Dental Hygienists (graduated in 2019).
In his spare time, he loves playing and watching football.
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