The Truth About Regular Dental Maintenance
Debunking the Myth of Unnecessary Check-ups
I have lost count of how many times I have been told that dentists only recommend regular visits for dental maintenance so that they can maintain the payments on the luxury cars.
While often said in jest, this sentiment reveals a concerning misconception about the importance of routine dental maintenance.
This article examines the importance of regular dental visits and their role in maintaining oral and overall health. For those who already visit their dentists regularly for dental maintenance, this information will serve to reinforce the value of your commitment. We also aim to persuade those who may be hesitant about regular dental care to reconsider and prioritise their oral health as an essential component of their general well-being.
How Dental Maintenance Appointments Have Evolved
Most dentists refer to regular check-ups as ‘hygiene appointments’ or ‘scale and clean appointments’. However, this terminology is somewhat misleading, as dental hygiene is only a fraction of what occurs during these visits.
At Dental Fresh, we call these visits Active Maintenance Appointments because our goal is to actively improve your quality of life through better oral health.
Changes in the Dental Profession
The Persistence of Dental Disease
In 1980 when I graduated from university, it was a commonly held belief amongst dentists that there would be an end to dental disease within the following 20 years.
This optimism was because of significant advancements in preventive dentistry and public health measures like water fluoridation.
The Promise of Preventive Dentistry
In the 1970s and 1980s, preventive dentistry was at the forefront of dental practice. Statistics showed that 70% of people visited the dentist at least once a year. Following the introduction of fluoridated water in 1968, the incidence of dental decay in children plummeted to the point where fillings for kids born and raised in Sydney in the 80s and early 90s became a rarity.
The Current Reality
Fast-forward to today and dentists have never been busier. While this may seem positive for the profession, it’s quite disheartening that we’ve failed to deliver on the promise of ending dental disease.
The Consequences of Neglecting Dental Maintenance
Understanding the Decline in Dental Attendance
Recent estimates suggest that regular dental attendance has dropped to about 20%. People often cite various reasons for avoiding the dentist, including:
- Cost concerns
- Fear or anxiety
- Lack of time
- Absence of pain or discomfort
- Misunderstanding of the benefits
While it’s easy to find excuses to avoid dental appointments in our busy lives, those who make the effort are rewarded many times over in terms of improved oral and overall health.
Common Issues Faced by Irregular Dental Patients
Many new patients who come to us after long periods of neglect share similar characteristics:
- They lack a regular dentist
- They only see a dentist when they are experiencing pain or discomfort
- They’ve never received a comprehensive plan for oral health improvement and maintenance
- They fear dental visits
- They often require extensive and expensive dental work
Perhaps most concerning is that their general health may be compromised, as many dental conditions have direct links to life-threatening medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Maintenance
Why Consistent Dental Care Pays Off
In contrast, patients who maintain regular dental visits experience numerous benefits:
- Lower incidence of new dental disease
- Most dental work focuses on repairing normal wear and tear or cosmetic improvements
- Gradual dental treatment over a lifetime, reducing short-term financial strain
- Reduced fear of treatment due to established trust with the dental team
- Significantly lower lifetime dental costs
What Happens During an Active Maintenance Appointment?
A Personalised Approach to Dental Care
It’s important to understand that your dental maintenance appointment is customised to your individual needs, as oral health requirements change with age.
- Young Patients: Strategies to prevent dental decay and create a beautiful, functional smile
- Middle-Age Patients: Prevention of gum disease and minimising wear and tear
- Senior Patients: Emphasis on the link between oral health and general wellbeing
Regardless of age, our primary goal is to ensure that enjoying a delicious meal remains a pleasure rather than a challenge.
During your visit, we typically:
- Update your medical history and assess how we can contribute to your general health
- Discuss any concerns or issues you’ve experienced since your last visit
- Check for tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer
- Evaluate your bite and jaw muscle function
- Assess sinus health
- Review previous dental work to ensure it’s functioning properly
- Clean and polish dentures (if applicable)
- Remove stains and plaque build-up
- Check the health and function of dental implants (if applicable)
- Provide guidance on maintaining oral health between visits
Most importantly, we aim to build relationships with our patients, making dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Investing in Your Smile and Health
The most rewarding aspect of our job is knowing that we’re helping our patients live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Regular dental maintenance is not just about keeping your teeth clean—it’s an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life.
By prioritising your dental health and committing to regular dental maintenance appointments, you’re taking a proactive step towards a healthier future. Don’t let misconceptions or short-term concerns prevent you from reaping the long-term benefits of consistent dental care.
Want to learn more or book a consultation? Visit our Contact Us page and complete our enquiry form or call us on 02 9389 3656, we’ll be happy to help answer your questions.
References:
World Health Organization: Cardiovascular Disease
WebMD: Diabetes
Alzheimer’s Association: What is dementia?
