Over one hundred million people in the United States do not visit their dentist on a regular basis each year, which has important implications for the oral health of the nation as a whole. In point of fact, maintaining good oral health requires constant maintenance at the dentist's office. Having said all of that, the next query is one that you are most likely asking yourself: how frequently am I required to visit my dentist? In contrast to what the vast majority of people believe, the answer to this question differs. You will find the answer to the question that was just posed, as well as an explanation of the reasoning behind it, in the following paragraphs.
The usual advice, which is every six (6) months or twice a year:
What about the myths?
It's likely that someone has suggested going to the dentist at least twice a year to get their teeth checked up. However, despite how humorous it may sound, this tip was first presented in an advertising for toothpaste. It was not based on any legitimate dental research. This guideline is an useful rule of thumb for many people, but it should not be applied to everyone because some people may need to visit their dentist more or less frequently based on their dental health needs.
If this is the case, why do some people require fewer visits to the dentist than others, while others require more frequent checkups?
Your dentist is actually the only one who can provide you with an answer that is both accurate and exact to this issue. Of course they can. As was just mentioned, certain individuals have a greater need to visit their dentist more frequently than twice per year. This is especially true for those who have a higher risk of developing dental disease in addition to other health conditions that necessitate visits to the dentist at least once every three or four months. Patients who, on the whole, have good dental health may need to visit the dentist no more frequently than once every 12 to 24 months.
Who among these should visit the dentist most frequently?
Pregnant women
Gums may become red, tender, and uncomfortable as a result of the hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. If this is the case, your dentist may suggest that you undergo additional cleanings during the second and early third trimesters of your pregnancy in order to help reduce gingivitis. This highlights the significance of visiting your dentist more frequently during pregnancy.
Diabetics
People who have diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, and there is evidence in the medical literature to suggest that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control. As a result, it is recommended that diabetic people have professional deep cleanings performed more frequently than twice every year.
• Since smokers have a higher risk of developing periodontal illnesses and are more likely to have discolored teeth, they may require more frequent dental checkups as a result.
• Patients suffering from gum disease.
• Individuals who have a compromised immunological response
• Individuals who have a predisposition for the development of dental caries or plaque
What are the benefits of having routine checkups?
They allow for early detection of dental and oral issues, which allows for better health management:
• Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss as recommended, you still need to visit your dentist at least once every six months. This is the recommended amount of time to spend at the dentist. Patients are unable to discover issues such as cavities or gum disease before they have progressed to the point where they are excruciating. Patients who maintain their dental health by going in for regular checkups increase their chances of having any developing issues discovered at an early stage, when they are easier to treat and less severe.
Dentists inspect not only your teeth, but also your gums and mouth, so this is an extra benefit that should not be overlooked. The fact that oral malignancies are most frequently discovered by dentists is a significant advantage. Oral cancer screenings can consequently assist in the detection of malignant lesions, which, if found at an earlier stage, are amenable to treatment that is more successful.
• Ultimately, going to the dentist as frequently as is suggested can help you save time, reduce the amount of discomfort you experience, and even help you save money.
In conclusion, if you take better care of your teeth, you will reduce the likelihood that you will acquire cavities and other issues related to your oral health. As a result of this, you will have a reduced need to go to the dentist. It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day, and in addition to that, you should not be afraid to use dental floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. Your dentist may then decide to increase the amount of time that passes between your appointments. In order to maintain excellent dental health and follow the recommendations of your dentist, you should always keep all of your scheduled appointments.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.
