How Often Should You Visit The Dentist

If you ask most people about visiting the dentist, they will likely cringe at the thought. It is estimated that up to 40 million Americans are afraid of the dentist. This means a large percentage of the population may be avoiding taking steps to ensure good oral health. While what you do at home to care for your teeth has a great impact on your oral health, it’s still very important to schedule visits to the dentist.

Biannual Visits Are Best

For the average person, a visit to the dentist every 6 months is recommended. It provides you with a regular professional cleaning and gives your dentist the chance to check for any possible issues before they become serious problems. Cavities and gum disease can be caught early by your dental health team, mitigating the damage they might do if you visit the dentist regularly. Much like getting a yearly physical, these biannual visits functions as preventative and can save you time, money, and pain down the line.

For babies, it’s recommended to bring them in not too long after their teeth begin coming in. You are never too young for cavities. These teeth set the stage for the ones to come and it’s best to start your child off on the right foot – or tooth, in this case. Keep in mind that what goes on inside your mouth may be an indicator of an issue or problem elsewhere in your body and your dentist can identify it before it escalates.

High-Risk Factors Require High-Frequency Visits

Individuals with high-risk factors will need to visit the dentist more often. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, risk factors for gum disease include smoking, stress, and clenching and grinding your teeth. It is well-known that a diet heavy in sugar can cause tooth decay. Those who are at risk for or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease could see their visits to the dentist be as frequent as every three months.

Don’t Delay Visits When Problems Arise

Even if you are already visiting the dentist twice a year, do not wait for that visit if something with your teeth or gums seem wrong. If you are in pain or experience bleeding from your gums, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as you can. An early visit to check your oral health is imperative to remaining in good health.

Please remember that these are general guidelines. It is most important that you speak with your dentist to determine what works best for you and your oral health care. Your dental professional will create a schedule that best suits your needs and it can change as your oral health changes.

If you haven’t visited the dentist recently and are looking to schedule an appointment with a Loveland, Colorado Dentist, contact Rocky Mountain Smiles to schedule an appointment. We are happy to help!