Everyone knows that they should take care of their teeth. After all, we only get one set of permanent adult teeth and when they’re gone it can be difficult to eat and chew, not to mention the unsightly appearance of gaps. However, a surprising number of people don’t go to the dentist often enough and, indeed, some people never go at all. If you’re asking “how often should I visit a dentist?” read on to find out the answer and find out why it’s so important to schedule regular check-up appointments.
Do I Need To See A Dentist Every Year?
Over half a century ago, there were absolutely no recommendations for how many times a year the average person should go to see their dentist. It was no wonder, then, that so many people had teeth that were in poor shape. Most people took little care to brush frequently and meanwhile, dentists of the era were more focused on correcting issues rather than trying to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
Today, all of that has changed. Health organizations and dentists decided standards had to be set for preventive dental medicine. The result was a recommendation to visit a dentist at least twice or three times per year to get a check-up and to have a thorough clean since gum disease and cavities can be prevented in this way.
While this is the average recommendation, scheduling dental appointments should really be based on the individual’s medical conditions, habits and oral hygiene. Some people may require more appointments than others due to ongoing issues like gum disease.
Do I Need To See A Dentist Even If I Care For My Teeth?
Even if you always brush and floss as you should, it’s still important to go to the dentist two or three times each year. This gives your dentist the opportunity to check for any problems that may not be seen or felt. Many dental issues don’t cause any pain or even become visible until they’ve reached an advanced stage. Gum disease, cavities and even oral cancer can all be spotted at an early stage by your dentist and they can then be treated quickly before they get out of hand. If you’re already experiencing pain or discomfort, you should certainly arrange to see your dentist as quickly as possible as treatment will almost certainly be required.
Do I Need To See My Dentist More Often?
Although twice a year may be enough for some people, there are others who are at a higher risk who should arrange an appointment every 3-4 months. They include:
- Pregnant women
- Smokers
- Diabetics
- People with weak immune systems
- People with chronic plaque build-up
- People suffering from gum disease
- People Suffering with dry mouth
If you’re suffering from a long-term illness or chronic stress, you may also need to visit your dentist more frequently.
If you’re ready to arrange a dental check-up, contact us today to arrange your appointment. We’re here to help keep your teeth in perfect condition so your smile can be preserved forever.