When it comes to dental visits, how do you know when enough is enough?
GOING TO THE DENTIST TWICE A YEAR, while a good rule of thumb, is not necessarily fitting for everyone. Depending on certain lifestyle choices and medical conditions, some people need to see their dentist even more frequently.
Fifty years ago, there were really no instructions as to how often you should see a dentist. Back then, dentistry was more about fixing existing problems rather than preventing them from occurring. When dentists began recommending biannual check-ups and cleanings as a preventive measure against oral disease and infection, the American population's dental health vastly improved. However, that doesn't mean that this twice a year recommendation is a “one size fits all” umbrella.
Who Needs To Go More Than Twice A Year?
There are a number of conditions and circumstances that may require more frequent dental visits. Listed below are people who should talk to their dentist about going more than twice a year:
· Diabetics
· Smokers
· Pregnant women
· People with gum disease
· People who have dry mouth
· People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
· People who are more prone to cavities or plaque buildup
· People who do not keep up with their dental hygiene very well
· People whose diet is rich in sugary foods and/or drinks
Some people may need to go biannually one year and, due to changing circumstances, need to go more frequently the next. For example, as we get older and start to accumulate more health issues, we might be more prone to damage that bacteria can cause to our teeth and gums. Furthermore, many medications can cause dry mouth which makes it easier for bacteria to grow.
How often you need to make a dental visit is determined by your dentist and hygienist and is based on the health of your gums, as well as how committed you are to a good oral hygiene program. More frequent visits, especially for high-risk patients, can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. The preventive care we provide will save you time, stress, and money.
You Are Unique
You are a unique individual! Keeping your smile healthy means addressing your unique needs. We are not interested in a “one size fits all” mentality. Our practice is devoted to providing you with the best and most specialized care.
Thank you for reading our blog and placing your trust in our practice!
And here's To Your Health!
Top Image by Flickr user Alessandro Valli used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
