How Often Should You See the Dentist?

Going to the dentist for routine dental exams is important for maintaining good oral health for a lifetime. It’s no secret that going to the dentist can help keep your teeth strong and beautiful. But if your teeth appear to be in good condition, are regular visits really necessary? Absolutely!

The American Dental Association recommends that adults and children see the dentist every six months for dental exams and regular cleanings. Of course, this isn’t the case for every patient. If your teeth are in excellent condition, your dentist may recommend that you come in for exams every year. On the other hand, if you’re experiencing an oral health concern, such as gum disease, you may need dental appointments more frequently. 

When Should You See the Dentist More Often?

While visiting the dentist every six months is necessary for most patients, certain factors could require you to have your mouth examined more frequently. These include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • An oral health condition, such as gum disease or oral cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Smoking

If not closely monitored on a regular basis, these factors could put the well-being of your teeth and gums at risk. For this reason, it’s essential to consult your dentist about how frequently your teeth should be examined if you have one or more of these conditions.

 

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

Your teeth may look healthy and strong, but a closer look from a trained eye could prove otherwise. Oral health concerns often develop without any symptoms and can quickly lead to more serious dental complications if left untreated over time. For this reason, having your teeth examined regularly (even when they appear to be healthy) is important. Doing so can help you prevent common dental problems, including:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Signs of oral cancer

Most importantly, if the dentist does detect one of these oral issues at your routine dental appointment, treating it sooner than later can mean easier, more comfortable, and affordable care. Poor oral health can also affect your overall health. For example, advanced gum disease is known to increase your risk of heart disease.

How to Keep Dental Visits to a Minimum

Even if you practice good oral hygiene and your teeth appear in tip-top shape, bi-annual dental exams are still necessary to find oral health concerns in their early stages and prevent new ones from forming. While this is true, there are proactive steps you can take in your dental hygiene routine to keep your dental visits to a minimum, such as:

  • Brushing your teeth twice a day
  • Flossing and using mouthwash daily
  • Limiting your consumption of foods that are hard to remove from your teeth, such as chewy candy
  • Not biting down on hard items, such as ice or pencils

How Much Does a Routine Dental Checkup Cost?

Most dental insurance plans cover the cost of preventative dental treatments, including two routine dental visits a year. For more information on what your particular dental insurance policy includes, please contact our office.

 

Schedule Your Dental Appointment at Walnut Creek Dental

Going to the dentist twice a year is a small step that can make a big difference in your long-term oral health. At Walnut Creek Dental, our experienced dental team is eager to keep your smile healthy for years to come with routine dental exams that are comfortable and convenient. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional cleaning and exam, there’s no better time than now to prioritize your dental health. Give our Groveport, OH dental office a call to schedule your next appointment.

We look forward to showing you how simple caring for your teeth and gums can be!

 

Connect With Us

Call 614-864-2466 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.