Why a Regular Dental Check Up with your Dentist are so Important

A regular Dental Check-Up with your dentist provides peace of mind, as well as maximising your appearance

Putting off a visit to the dentist is something that we all have experience of, yet we should all try to go on a regular basis. Many people remember childhood visits which can play on their minds, but it’s important to remember that dentistry has come a long way, and uncomfortable visits are largely a thing of the past. The reality is that if you take care of your teeth, your dental check-up will probably be just that and nothing more.

The good news is that 8 out of 10 Irish adults are entitled to a free examination through either PRSI or Medical Card schemes. Further cover is available for those with dental insurance, which is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland and allows a greater focus on prevention.

Some people have the impression that seeing the dentist can be put off if nothing is visibly or physically wrong. However, it’s important to note that most dental issues don’t start to cause pain until they are at an advanced stage. The key here is to ensure that your dentist sees you for a regular dental check-up before any small issues develop into more serious (and costly) ones.

One of the benefits of seeing a trusted, experienced dentist is the chance to maximise your dental health and, by extension, your appearance. According to the British Dental Journal, “people are perceived more favourably over a range of judgments, including numerous personality traits, when they have normal dentition as opposed to abnormal tooth colour (caused by caries or severe dental fluorosis) or tooth arrangement”.

Perception is an important thing in any walk of life, be it personal or professional. Clean and visibly healthy teeth are something that we can generally all enjoy with minimal effort once we brush and floss regularly and see our dentist once every six months or once a year.

Getting into the habit of seeing your dentist regularly will also ensure you never have to worry about how your teeth are looking. If you have children, it’s also a good idea to lead by example and reinforce the need for them to look after their teeth as well as they grow older.

So, when should you go to your dentist other than your regular dental check-up? Below are some of the symptoms that should have you booking an appointment with your local Dental Care Ireland practice for your treatment needs straight away.

• Sensitive teeth: this can be the result of tooth decay or cavities caused by not brushing and flossing regularly, and consuming too many sugary foods and drinks.
• Bleeding gums after flossing: a few specks of blood in your saliva after flossing is normal (especially if you haven’t flossed in a while), but if you are seeing quite a bit, it could be an early sign of gum disease and should be treated as soon as possible.
• Long-term bad breath: this can be the result of tooth decay, a build-up of bacteria in your mouth or tongue, or even oral cancer. Using mouthwash to disguise the issue won’t help resolve it.
• Mouth sores: these can be uncomfortable, and could be signs of cold sores or oral thrush. Your dentist is ideally placed to advise you on their management or treatment if needed.
• Pain: it may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people put off dealing with a sore tooth or jaw. If you are experiencing pain that makes you uncomfortable, see your dentist.

Of course there is another reason to see your dentist, and that is if you are unhappy with your smile or your teeth in general. Today, no one need worry about having to tolerate bad teeth if they don’t want to. Trusted dentists provide a range of treatments and patient-focused care to offer you a winning smile, such as teeth whitening, orthodontics or dental implants. For a list of specialist treatments, see our website

Regular attendance at your dental practice gives you easy access to professional dental care, advice and treatment. Together with our experienced clinical team, we will minimise the likelihood of costly treatment later on, giving you and your family the peace of mind that comes with attending a trusted health professional. Click here to find your nearest Dental Care Ireland practice.

If an existing Dental Care Ireland patient refers a friend to a Dental Care Ireland practice, the referred patient receives a €20 discount off their first visit and the referring/existing patient gets a €20 credit applied to their account at Dental Care Ireland. See dentalcareireland.ie for more terms and conditions, prices, and contact details for our practices.