How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
Visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups is important to maintain good oral health and prevent future serious problems. It is recommended by dental professionals, including the American Dental Association, to visit the dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning. These visits twice a year help remove plaque and tartar, detect cavities early, prevent gum disease, and monitor overall oral health. Your dentist will also perform screenings for oral cancer and other conditions before they start showing symptoms and become advanced.
Visits are not one-size-fits-all
- High-risk individuals: Smokers, diabetics, pregnant women, and persons with gum disease may need check-ups every 3–4 months.
- Orthodontic patients: Patients with braces may require visits every 4–6 weeks. This will keep up with adjustments and prevent plaque buildup.
- Oral health status: Having a problem with multiple cavities, gum disease, weak enamel, and tooth loss will increase the number of visits to the dentist.
- Lifestyle: If you have poor oral hygiene, drink a lot of sugary drinks like juices and soda, smoke, and drink in excess, you will develop serious dental problems that will require more visits to the dentist's office.
Reasons for visiting your dentist regularly
- Dental concerns: Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer. These issues do not cause pain or visible symptoms until they are advanced.
- Early detection: Your dentist can prevent costly and painful treatments later if you visit your dentist when scheduled.
- Overall body health: Visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent conditions like heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
- Regular cleanings: Visiting your dentist every six months and having X-rays done once a year is essential for good oral health and to prevent future oral concerns.
Not visiting your dentist regularly
- It can lead to hidden problems. Some of these problems could cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
- Infections and abscesses
- Bad breath
- Oral cancer
- Pregnancy complications
- High costs for treatment
What to expect during your visit
- Initial exam: The hygienist checks the condition of the teeth and gums.
- X-rays: If it has been a year or other problems seem to be present, x-rays are taken before the cleaning. X-rays are used to check for cavities, bone loss, or impacted teeth.
- Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler or hand tool is used to remove plaque from the tooth surface. This process is usually painless, unless you have irritation in your gums.
- Polishing: Polishing paste is used to clean the teeth and remove stains with a rotating brush.
- Flossing: Flossing will clean the difficult-to-reach areas in between the teeth.
- Fluoride treatment (optional): To strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Dentist check-up: The dentist will check the teeth and gums and examine x-rays.
Reach out for support
Twice a year is the recommendation for most people to visit the dentist. This recommendation is not set in stone. Your dentist will recommend a personalized schedule depending on your oral health, overall health, and risk factors. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our office if you have any questions or for an appointment.