Ever wondered why the dental receptionist is so insistent on booking in your next dental appointment before you leave? It’s because they are vital to keeping your mouth healthy.

Regular dentist checkups or as we call them here at Smile Essential Dental Practice in Leicester – Dental Health Checks, are essential for spotting problems early.

If you leave without arranging your next dental appointment then you will often go over the advised interval your dentist has recommended an appointment. Sometimes 6 months turns into a year and before you know it your mouth will start to feel unhealthy.

At your check-up appointment, the dentist is looking at a lot more than just teeth! They will be carrying out a full oral health exam.

There are 10 points we review at your Dental Health Check:

1) Your awareness of the health of your mouth
2) The health of your teeth
3) The health, stability and appearance of any restorations (eg fillings, crowns)
4) The health of your gums
5) The health of the bones supporting your teeth
6) Plaque control and home care regime
7) The comfort and health of your bite (how teeth meet together)
8) Signs of tooth wear/grinding or clenching
9) The health of your jaw joint
10) Mouth cancer check

Often the dentist will also be keeping a close eye on any areas they are particularly concerned about and will want to regularly review it. This is one of the reasons it’s advisable to attend the same dental practice and not chop and change.

Attending regularly for you Dental Health Check is one of the best things you can do to prevent dental problems and avoid unnecessary dental treatment.

Once our checks are complete we also discuss our findings with our patients and help you to develop a personalised oral healthcare regime individually tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition.

Need to arrange your dental appointment at our Leicester based clinic? Give us a call on 0116 2891317

1. This one’s pretty obvious but it’s the most important thing you can do – brush your teeth! This is also a great time to either buy a new toothbrush or invest a decent electric one. Whilst giving your teeth a good brush don’t forget that tongue! Sometimes there are really smelly bacteria on there that can cause bad breath. One study found that by brushing the tongue, volunteers reduced their perception of bad breath by 70%!

2. Okay, this is sort of a gross suggestion but have you ever smelled your floss after flossing? If yes then you know what we mean! If no – try it! Bits of food can lay hidden between the teeth just rotting away if you haven’t been flossing.

3. A good old swish around with a mouthwash just before you leave to go on a date is a good idea. An antibacterial mouthwash will help to kill off any nasty bacteria and giving you a fresh minty zing.

4. Drink plenty of water to prevent your mouth from getting dry. A dry mouth can be a cause for bad breath and also unpleasant to kiss!

5. Steer clear of the onion and garlic. Some foods though can actually help your breath to stay fresh such as apples, mint, celery and parsley.

6. Chew gum. Chewing gum will help with bad breath because the chewing action results in more saliva being produced which in turn cleanses the mouth. Xylitol chewing gum such a Peppersmiths also help to strengthen teeth and come in lemon and mint varieties.

7. Quit smoking? smoking never smells good whether it’s on your clothes, hair or breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth and can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth.

Still, have bad breath? Then it’s worth scheduling an appointment with your dentist. Your teeth may require a simple hygiene appointment or sometimes causes could be medical related. Either way, your dentist can help.