Regular dental checkups not worth it? Why are dental checkups important?

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Patient.
Patient.

While in braces, the dentist wants you to come in for regular checkups.
I don't see the point in going there if there is no pain...

dentist
dentist

I see...
Then, this time,Are regular checkups at the dentist not worth it? Let us discuss why dental checkups are important!

When you understand the purpose and benefits of regular checkups, you will understand that it makes sense!

Are regular checkups at the dentist not worth it?

Dentist Routine checkups Meaningless

Regular dental checkups are,Very meaningful for maintaining dental health.It is.

In regular checkups,

  • cleaning
  • tartar removal
  • Review of self-care
  • Check for cavities, periodontal disease, etc.
  • Checking of coverings and fillings, etc.

The following is a list of the most common types of products that can be used.

Cleanings, tartar removal, and self-care reviews are necessary preventive measures to avoid cavities and gum disease.

Preventive procedures are those that are performed to maintain a healthy mouthSo, something does not change significantly immediately after a regular checkup.

However, the number of remaining teeth of those who underwent regular checkups and those who underwent only treatment was higher for those who underwent regular checkups as they got older (*1),It has been shown to make a significant difference in the number of teeth in the future.

Dentist Routine checkups Meaningless

In addition, in "The Association of Food Satisfaction and Dental Health Behaviors with the Number of Current Teeth" (*2) for people aged 55-75 years,

  • The average number of teeth of those who feel that "food tastes very good" is 20.
  • The average number of teeth of those who feel "food is not tasty" is 11.

The result is that theIt has been shown that people are more satisfied with their diet if they have more teeth remaining in the future.

Having regular checkups with your dentist is very important to increase the number of teeth you keep in the future and to enjoy life's pleasures of food for a long time to come.

dentist
dentist

By the way,Eating meals with your own teeth is important for brain activity and physical health maintenanceIt is. In that sense, regular checkups make a lot of sense!

1 From https://kyosai-nara.jp/union/sukoyaka/bknum/232/pdf/2013_01_22.pdf

2 "The relationship between food satisfaction and dental health behavior and the number of teeth present" (from the Report on Designated Research Project 2007, 8020 Promotion Foundation)

Benefits of going for regular checkups at the dentist

Dentist Routine checkups Meaningless

There are many benefits to going for regular checkups at the dentist.

  • Leads to early detection and treatment of tooth decay and periodontal disease
  • Can reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease
  • Leads to whiter teeth.
  • Reduces the risk of future tooth loss.

Leads to early detection and treatment of tooth decay and periodontal disease

Because regular checkups examine for cavities and gum disease,Early detection and treatment are possible.

In fact, dental diseases such as tooth decay and gum disease often progress without pain.

It is not uncommon for symptoms to be unnoticeable until there is no pain, and the condition may progress unnoticed.

In some cases, by the time pain occurs, it is too late,Sometimes the condition has deteriorated to the point where the teeth have to be extracted.

To protect your teeth, it is important to catch signs of tooth decay and gum disease in the early stages, before pain occurs.

Can reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease

Because regular checkups at the dentist can include cleaning and tartar removal,This can reduce the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease itself.

It is difficult to remove 100% of stains from teeth just by brushing, and no matter how carefully you brush with floss, etc., there will always be a small amount of residue.

Over time, tooth stains become biofilm and tartar, which cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Biofilm and tartar cannot be removed with a toothbrush and must be removed using a machine in the dentist's office.

Leads to whiter teeth.

Cleaning can remove staining from the surface of the teeth,Prevents yellowing of teeth.

The dentist's specialized machines and toothpaste make it easy to remove even the most persistent stains, such as yarns.

If you are a coffee or tea drinker or a smoker and your teeth are prone to yellowing, it is recommended that you have them cleaned during regular checkups.

Reduces the risk of future tooth loss.

The number of remaining teeth for those who receive regular checkups and those who receive only treatment is greater for those who receive regular checkups. (*3)

Therefore, by undergoing regular checkups,It reduces the risk of tooth loss in the future.

Although bridges, dentures, and implants can restore function after tooth loss, there is still no artificial tooth that can replicate 100% of a natural tooth.

Regular checkups at the dentist are an effective way to keep more of your teeth and for longer.

3 From https://kyosai-nara.jp/union/sukoyaka/bknum/232/pdf/2013_01_22.pdf

Percentage of dentists receiving regular checkups

Dentist Routine checkups Meaningless

In a survey*4 conducted by Lion Corporation from September 28, 2022 (Wednesday) to October 3, 2022 (Monday) on attitudes toward dental checkups at dental clinics,44% of respondents receive regular dental checkups at least once a yearThe results showed that

By age group, the consultation rate tends to be higher from the 30s onward, with the highest consultation rate being obtained by respondents in their 60s. The results indicate that the consultation rate is higher among adults.

However, according to the same survey, 15-19 year olds, who are included in Generation Z, have more opinions about the image of dentists' offices than other age groups, such as "like" and "comfortable,It is expected that the rate of regular checkups among the younger generation will also increase in the future.

*4Lion Corporation "Attitude Survey on Dental Checkups at Dental Clinics

Regular checkups at the dentist are generally every 1-6 months.

Regular checkups at the dentist are,Typically every 1-6 months depending on the condition of the teeth and mouth.It is.

Periodic checkup intervals tend to be shorter when self-care is not very good or when the risk of periodontal disease is high due to smoking habits or systemic disease.

summary

Dentist Routine checkups Meaningless

Regular dental checkups are,Very meaningful for healthy teeth and mouth.It is.

It is a good idea to be able to go to the dentist in the same way that you go to the hairdresser, because it not only extends the healthy life of your teeth, but it also helps to keep them whiter.

In 365dentist,

  • Consultation via dentist-run open chat
  • Helping you find the right dentist for you
  • Useful columns about the mouth

to support your oral health and beauty!

If you have any concerns about your mouth, please feel free to contact us first via our dentist-operated open chat!

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n10g4rn9 l03ypdEdkwpnkGLSbrpzM1zEliFJxqwjryrSAB25AeORlOrnS5iKK nUYXrnh9jZas1Ze40WJvxRSr4iXtJ365dentist General Supervisor Dentist/Yukiko Katsuya 

Graduated from Nagasaki University School of Dentistry, ~2018 Kyushu Medical Center, 2018-present Working at a dental clinic in Tokyo

UyRZkXPjQvAn5BK9ai6vfhAEgYGCePrS3Id158EZKuev 2TIlSXaZPkxY9dJ 3vCTCm7hqIEw6AzmlpdiuMD8H 9aD01UftplKrgMtn7dmYeSupervisor: Dentist/Naomi

After completing clinical training, worked in cosmetic dentistry in Tokyo. Currently a dentist and dental writer.

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