Most people know that regularly seeing a dentist can markedly improve both their dental health and their overall quality of life. This practice is one of the staples of having good general health in the 21st century, but many patients still ask the question, “How often should you see a dentist?” Every individual should know the answer to this question so they can ensure they are taking good care of their teeth and can keep their dental health concerns to a minimum.
If you are curious about how often a person should visit the dentist and why regular dental visits are important, check out this guide that has been prepared on the subject.
Why See the Dentist Regularly?
For most people, the idea of regularly visiting the dentist needs no justification. This is because regular trips to the dentist have been well-documented as giving patients an invaluable boost to their dental and general well-being. Unlike injury in many other parts of the body, the damage done to the teeth is irreversible, so lost or damaged teeth require artificial prosthetics to regain function. By scheduling regular trips to the dentist, you can ensure that you avoid these serious health issues and maintain your natural smile.
How Often Should You See a Dentist?
The general recommendation for both children and adults is for them to visit the dentist at least once every six months. Healthcare professionals name this timeframe as acceptable for keeping one’s teeth and gums in their healthiest form.
Depending on your insurance, dental trips could be costly, so you may feel inclined to lessen your trips to the dentist as a result. You should resist this temptation because the costs associated with a routine dental checkup pale in comparison to the costs of an expensive dental procedure such as a root canal or tooth extraction.
Who Needs to See a Dentist More Often?
Certain individuals should see a dentist on a more regular basis than others. If you share any of the following qualities, then you will likely benefit from visiting the dentist more often than twice a year:
- Individuals with chronic immune system issues
- Smokers
- People with pre-existing gum disease or serious dental problems
- Pregnant individuals
Other people outside of these categories may benefit from more frequent dental checkups. Your dentist can examine your oral health to inform you whether you should visit them on a more regular basis. If they recommend you visit them more frequently than twice a year, be sure to follow their advice and save yourself time and money in the long run.
What Occurs During a Dental Checkup?
If you have never had a routine dental exam, there are aspects of the process that can be intimidating. Still, you should not worry. The procedure should quickly become familiar after an appointment or two. A typical dental checkup proceeds as follows:
- The first stage of a dental checkup usually involves a thorough cleaning by your dental hygienist. A dental hygienist is a dental professional who works under a dentist. They perform many of the routine elements of a dental cleaning, including plaque removal and other basic activities.
- The second stage of a dental checkup may involve X-rays and other scanning elements to more closely examine the state of your teeth. If you have any serious dental conditions or show signs that you may develop one, they will be visible in these scans.
- The final stage of a dental checkup involves a visit with your dentist about your cleaning and the results of your scans and X-rays. Should they observe any abnormalities, they advise you on how to move forward or improve your dental health.
Readers should note that patients who experience dental anxiety can and should express these feelings at any time to their dental professional. It will help both you and your dentist to have a more comfortable and successful experience if you are both aware of your comfort level ahead of time.
The Best Dentist in Encino
Encino Family Dental is a highly regarded dental office in California. If you have questions about your dental health and how you can maintain it for years to come, contact us today. We would be delighted to discuss your oral health and provide your next teeth cleaning.
