Did you know that only about 65 percent of American adults schedule a dentist appointment at least once a year?
Unfortunately, many people wait until they are experiencing pain to visit their local dental office. At that point, they likely need costly treatments or procedures that they could have prevented with regular cleanings and exams.
Do you know how often to see the dentist? This post will reveal the answer for individuals with different circumstances, so keep reading to find out!
Every Six Months
For most of us wondering how often to go to the dentist, the answer is every six months. At these appointments, your dentist will do an exam and x-rays to ensure that your mouth is healthy.
If they detect any issues, such as tooth decay, your dental office will schedule another appointment for you to have them treated. Thankfully, any cavities will be minor and easy to fix if you catch them early.
Also, your regular appointments give the hygienists a chance to clean your teeth, removing hard-to-reach plaque or tartar. They’ll also provide you with advice on what dental products to use and how you can improve your oral care at home.
For more information on what happens at a routine appointment, check out the services this dentist offers.
Every Three Months
For some with greater risk, every six months isn’t frequent enough. Such individuals include:
- Diabetics
- People who smoke
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with periodontal disease
- Those with a weak immune system
- People prone to tooth decay
So dentists recommend that they see them about every three months to ensure their teeth stay healthy.
Keep Your Dentist Appointments to a Minimum
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is the best way to ensure you don’t have to visit the dentist more than twice a year. Here are some expert tips:
- Brush twice a day
- Use floss and interdental brushes
- Consider investing in an oral irrigator
Moreover, if you have health conditions that put you at increased risk for cavities or gum disease, following your doctor’s recommendations will prevent your health from worsening, along with your teeth.
If your dentist sees that your teeth are free of issues and that you’re keeping up with your oral hygiene, they may even recommend letting more time pass in between scheduled appointments.
Now You Know How Often to See the Dentist!
After reading this post, you better understand how often to see the dentist. Of course, everyone’s circumstances and oral health differ, so you may need to visit the dentist more regularly if you are undergoing dental treatments or have a dental health condition, such as gum disease.
So, if you would like more information about how often you should visit the dentist, be sure to ask the next time you’re there!
Would you like to learn more about dental services? If so, don’t forget to visit more of our posts related to oral health!
