Do you know what really goes on in your check up?

Whether you’re a child or an adult, going to the dentist for a check up still proves to be one of our least favourite experiences. In fact, 2% of the adult population claim to have never visit the dentist, while 27% only visit when there’s a problem! While many of us dread sitting in the chair, regular checks ups are key to ensuring and maintaining good dental health.

Dental check ups: The stats

Recent research indicates that just 61% of adults in England, 60% in Northern Ireland and 69% in both Wales and Scotland attend their dentists regularly. While this is just over half the population, it’s still a huge improvement on figures a few years back. In 1978, just 44% of adults in England attended their dentists regularly and 39% in Wales.

Of those adults that visit their dentist, half say they schedule an appointment every six months – the current recommendation. A further 21% of adults say they visit their dentist annually.

If you find the UK’s statistics shocking, you’ll be even more surprised to hear the majority of Europe fares even more poorly. The UK was ranked second (72%) in European countries most likely to visit the dentist, after the Netherlands (79%).

Do you know what really goes on in your check up equipment

Visiting your dentist: Why it’s so important

If you’re one of the many that fails to make regular appointments to see your dentist, or just doesn’t see the point or value in dental check ups, you are probably unaware of just how much goes on in the chair. Your dentist looks for more than just decay, and areas of the mouth they can fill. They check for disease, potential problems, and can help assess your overall health, preventing problems developing in the future.

Here are just a few of the things that your dental team does while you’re in the chair…

Checks your jaw joints
Looks at your occlusion (bite)
Assesses you for infections, including your tongue and gums
Checks you for oral cancer by feeling for lumps in the jaw, neck and throat
Records measurements of your gums to assess for gum disease
Examines your teeth for caries (tooth decay)
Offers advice on dental care and looking after your teeth

Do you know what really goes on in your check up xray

With a private dentist, like AP Smilecare, you’ll also be offered a wide choice of dental treatments. Many treatments are only available on the NHS under exceptional circumstances – but at AP Smilecare we offer treatments for aesthetics, whatever the reasoning may be.

As a valued patient, we’re also able to spend more time with each and every one of you – and it’s rare you’ll find us running late as our appointment slots are so generous. This flexibility is something you won’t usually find with an NHS dentist.

While private dental care costs, there are ways to make it more affordable. Denplan, the monthly payment scheme, offers a variety of cover plans to suit you and your annual dental needs, taking the hassle out of payment on the day and often saving you a significant amount of money.

To find out more about our appointments, or to book your next check up, give us a call on 01254 297 000.