What are dental check-ups for?

Here’s the translated content with the styles preserved:

“Going to the dentist is worthwhile because:

• Most oral diseases are difficult for us to diagnose by ourselves. In the beginning, cavities are neither visible nor painful. The same goes for oral cancer or periodontal disease.
• It also allows us to monitor the treatments we have received and detect minor imperfections in a timely manner.
• It helps maintain our oral health in optimal conditions, preventing complications in general health.
• Furthermore, check-ups represent significant time and cost savings.”

“What does a dental check-up involve?”

1. Search for potential oral lesions.
2. Diagnosis of possible cavities using an explorer.
3. Examination with a mirror, including assessing the bite and gum condition.
4. Evaluation of treatments performed.
5. Professional cleaning and fluoride application.
6. X-ray if the doctor deems it necessary.
7. Explanation of the treatment plan and home care tips. Schedule a new appointment.

“How often should you go?”

The frequency of dental visits varies significantly, depending on factors such as age, oral health status, the presence of systemic conditions, previous treatments, and more. The doctor will specify the ideal frequency in each case, whether every 6 months, annually, or even more frequently in some cases. Smokers, diabetics, or those with chronic illnesses may require less frequent visits.

“Some statistics”

• In Spain, workers lose over 23 million hours of work each year due to dental problems.
• All studies show that regular check-ups save time, money, and prevent sometimes serious diseases.
• Every euro invested in oral prevention saves about €20 in dental treatment.
• Research shows that those with periodontal disease have twice the probability of suffering from heart diseases.
• Regular dental visits can discover other significant conditions such as diabetes or oral cancer.

“Why don’t you go to the dentist?”

Only 50% of Spaniards visit their dentist at least once a year, well below the European average of 65%. Here are some excuses for not going:

• “It will hurt.” You have a much higher probability of avoiding pain if you regularly visit the dentist.
• “I have nothing.” Even if you don’t feel any pain, many oral diseases go unnoticed in the early stages, and only the dentist can diagnose them.
• “It’s too expensive.” What’s truly costly is neglecting your oral health. More conditions will accumulate, and treatments will become more complex.
• “I can’t lose time.” It’s better to invest 30 minutes once a year visiting your dentist than accumulating conditions and having to invest much more time.
• “Fear due to a bad experience.” Having had a bad experience doesn’t mean that all experiences will be the same. Discuss with your dentist what happened to prevent it.