How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
You should always make an appointment to see your dentist if you are feeling pain in your teeth, gums, or other areas of your mouth. But what about when you are not having dental issues? How often should you go to the dentist then?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a dental checkup at least once a year for most people. Dentists usually encourage their patients to visit every six months. Appointments twice a year help you avoid more serious issues that can result if you delay dental care.
Regular Visits to Your Dentist Help with More Than Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning is essential in helping you prevent cavities and gum disease. Good oral care habits at home—brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing at least once a day, and using a fluoride mouthwash—remove harmful plaque from your teeth. But sometimes not all plaque is removed. Plaque then hardens into tartar, also called calculus, which leads to cavities and deterioration of gum tissue.
In addition to teeth cleaning, you should also see your dentist regularly for the following reasons:
- Warning Signs. Your dentist can detect whether you have any oral health issues before they become serious, such as small cavities or cracks in your teeth that might become larger, or the beginning of problems with your gums.
- Cancer Screening. Your dentist will check for more than tooth decay and gum disease. During your routine dental cleaning, he or she will screen for mouth, head, and neck cancers. Early detection of oral cancer gives you a better chance to seek treatment and have a positive outcome.
- Long-Term Cost Saving. When your dentist identifies and treats problems early, you are more likely to avoid physical pain and the cost of more advanced and prolonged treatment. Taking care of a cavity, for example, will cost significantly less than a root canal or extraction for a tooth that cannot be preserved.
When to See Your Dentist More Often
If you have any of the following conditions, you should see your dentist about every three months:
- History of tooth decay and gum disease
- Regular use of alcohol and tobacco
- Weakened immune systems
- Diabetes or other chronic health conditions
Also, check with your dentist for oral care while you are pregnant.
Plan for and Follow a Regular Checkup Schedule with Your Dentist
Consistently seeing your dentist is vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Make the trip at least once a year, but preferably twice a year, so you can avoid more serious issues that can result if you delay dental care. Try not to be overwhelmed if your dentist finds problems. With the help of your experienced and dedicated dental team, you can address and fix oral health issues.
Keeping a regular schedule for seeing your dentist is not always easy. You may not have a dentist close to where you live, or you may feel anxious because of previous difficulties with oral care, or you may worry about your budget when planning regular dental care. Your concerns are legitimate, but seeing your dentist regularly—whether or not you are experiencing pain or problems—is essential to good dental health and your overall health in general.