It's important to visit the dentist regularly, regardless of how you feel about your oral health. A reasonable goal is to have an oral health checkup at least once a year, although some evidence suggests that people with a low risk of contracting the disease may last up to 18 to 24 months. It is often said that you should go to the dentist twice a year, and this is a good general rule to follow. However, if you want to be sure how often you need to have a dental checkup, you should consider your mouth, your hygiene, your habits and your overall well-being.Most of us know that visiting the dentist regularly is essential for having a healthy mouth, but how many of us actually go? 42% of American adults admit that they don't go to the dentist as often as they would like, and 15% said they went to their last appointment because they were in pain.
How often should you go to the dentist and why is it so important? Read on to learn how often you should have your teeth checked and cleaned, and how this benefits your overall health.It's a standard recommendation in the U. S. that both children and adults visit a dentist every six months for an oral cleaning and exam. Many dental insurance companies cover two check-ups a year, and this frequency allows dental professionals to detect any problem when it's still small and affordable to treat.
Pregnant women are at greater risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay due to fluctuating hormones, while some anticancer drugs can dry out the mouth and increase the risk of patients suffering from oral health problems. Diabetes can contribute to gum problems and other oral health issues, while tobacco use can cause gum disease and make it difficult for the body to heal after dental procedures and oral surgeries.Oral health is important when it comes to preventing heart disease, as bacteria from the mouth can reach the heart. People with poor oral health have higher rates of cardiovascular problems compared to people with healthy mouths. Regular dental cleanings and checkups can reduce the risk of developing heart disease.If you meet any of the criteria mentioned above, you should tell your dentist.
If you are going to have x-rays, the dental hygienist will take them at the beginning of your appointment so that the dentist has a chance to review them before examining your mouth.There are many benefits of dental cleaning. The hygienist will clean your teeth with scrapers and other dental instruments that will gently remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and just below the gum line. Then, they'll polish your teeth with a paste and floss your teeth between your teeth. Your hygienist can alert you to areas that need a little more attention when cleaning your teeth.
They can also tell you the right way to brush and floss your teeth.Before examining your teeth and gums, your dentist may first screen for oral cancer. It involves examining the palate, tongue, throat, inside of the cheeks and other parts of the oral cavity for any signs of cancer. They will also feel the outside of the jaw and throat for any abnormalities. The dentist is often the first line of defense when treating oral cancer since it is likely to be detected before another doctor.This is one of the reasons why it's so important to have regular dental checkups.
Oral cancer can spread quickly, and early detection is vital for treating it. Your dentist will then examine your teeth for cavities, cracks, chips, and other damage that may require repair. The dental hygienist helps them trace any teeth that require treatment.Fillings and other dental treatments don't last forever, so a dentist checks their condition during an exam. They will make recommendations for a new filling, crown or bridge if the current one no longer keeps the tooth strong and healthy.
The dentist will also check the condition of the gums for any signs of gingivitis (the initial stage of gum disease) or periodontitis (the later stages). Gingivitis can be stopped and reversed with proper home oral care and regular dental cleanings but periodontitis requires specialized treatment by a periodontist.Keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings is all about preventive care. Treating oral problems during their early stages is less expensive and requires less time in the dentist's office compared to just going when you're in pain. Your dental team can also determine if you're doing a good job with your oral hygiene at home or if you need to intensify it.
Your oral health can affect your overall health, so visiting the dentist regularly should be as natural as seeing your primary care doctor for checkups.Now that you know how often you should visit the dentist, are you late for a checkup? After your checkup, the dentist will recommend a date for your next checkup. Traditionally, checkups are recommended every six months but some people are at greater risk of developing dental problems and may need more frequent checkups while others may not need them as often.You might assume that you should have a dental checkup every 6 months but some people may not need to go as often while others may need more frequent checkups. The fact that adults go to the dentist for a checkup every six months or at personalized intervals based on their risk assessment does not affect tooth decay, gum disease or quality of life.
