A reasonable goal is to visit the dentist at least once a year for an oral health check, 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 have to go to the dentist twice a year. When in doubt, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. However, if you want to be sure how often you need to have a dental checkup, you need to consider your mouth, hygiene, habits, and general well-being. Most of us know that visiting the dentist regularly is essential for 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 a dental checkup and cleaning, and how this benefits your overall health. It's a standard recommendation in the U. S. Dental profession in which both children and adults must visit a dentist every six months for an oral cleaning and exam. However, there are certain circumstances in which more frequent visits may be necessary.
Fluctuating pregnancy hormones can put pregnant women at greater risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. Some cancer 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 problems. Tobacco use can cause gum disease and also hinder the body's healing after dental procedures and oral surgeries. Oral health is important when it comes to preventing heart disease, because bacteria in 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 check-ups can reduce the risk of developing heart disease. If you meet any of the above criteria, you should tell your dentist. If you are going to get X-rays, your dental hygienist will take them at the beginning of your appointment so that your dentist has a chance to review them before examining your mouth. There are many benefits of a dental cleaning. The hygienist will clean your teeth with scrapers and other dental instruments that will gently remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and just below the gumline.
Then, they'll polish your teeth with a paste and floss 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 test for oral cancer. It involves examining the palate, tongue, throat, inside the cheeks and other parts of the oral cavity for any signs of cancer.
They'll also feel the outside of the jaw and throat to check for any abnormalities. The dentist is often the first line of defense when treating oral cancer, as they are likely to detect it sooner than 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 to treat it. Then, your dentist will examine your teeth for cavities, cracks, chips, and other damage that may need 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 early 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. Complying with your 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 only going to the dentist when you feel pain. Your dental team can also determine if you are 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 your dentist regularly should be as natural as going to your primary care doctor for checkups. Now that you know how often you should visit the dentist, are you late for a checkup?You may assume that you should have a dental checkup every 6 months, but some people may not need to go as often and others may need more frequent check-ups. Dental check-ups allow for early detection of oral diseases such as dental caries and gum disease as well as checking on general mouth health (British Dental Association).
Identifying and treating these issues early on not only saves money but also reduces chances of undergoing complicated long-term treatments. The time between check-ups would depend on an individual's likely risk of developing dental disease; this could range from three months up to two years. It is interesting to note that regular dental exams allow for an early diagnosis of oral diseases such as dental caries and gum disease; this statement is excellent as it emphasizes how important it is for people to get regular check-ups in order to maintain good oral health. Complying with regular dental checkups is all about preventive care; treating issues during their early stages is less expensive than waiting until pain occurs before seeking help from a professional. Your dental team can also determine if you are doing enough at home or if more needs to be done in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Your oral health has an impact on your overall wellbeing; visiting your dentist regularly should be just as natural as going for regular medical checkups with your primary care doctor. Now that you know how often you should visit the dentist for checkups, why not make an appointment today?.
Leave Reply