HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE DENTIST?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE DENTIST?

The average person is advised to visit the dentist once every six months, but how often should you go to the dentist? Since it is something that many people fear, many people tend to avoid the dentist and visit far less than they should. There are a few different factors that you should keep in mind in order to know when you should be visiting the dentist. With these tips, you can determine what schedule works best for the health of your teeth.  

AVERAGE VISITS

The average person is advised to visit the dentist once every six months. This is the normal schedule that works for most people when it comes to proper oral health. So what happens when you visit twice a year for a normal cleaning? Most cleanings are simply a good brush, rinse with fluoride, flossing between teeth, and finally, the inspection by the dentist to see if there are any issues that may need to be resolved like cavities or teeth that need to be repaired. The average teeth cleaning schedule is sufficient for those that have little issue with their teeth and that brush and floss regularly as this is just a checkup and deep cleaning.  

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT?

There are some special instances in which you may need to go to the dentist more than the two times a year that is recommended and paid for by most dental insurances. So when should you visit the dentist? If you fall under one of these categories, you may need to visit more often.  

PRONE TO CAVITIES

Those that are prone to cavities or that are prone to tooth issues are likely going to need to visit more often than those that are not. This means that you may need to work out a schedule of visiting every three months to make sure that cavities are not forming. Those that have teeth that are prone to needing work are likely going to need to visit more often to help reduce the damage to the teeth and to make sure that their oral health is in check.  

ADVANCED AGE

Another instance in which you may need to visit more has to do with age. Elderly people may need to visit more often as the bone of the jaw where the teeth are rooted tends to weaken as we age. As such, the teeth may become loose or may need more work. Similarly, older teeth are more brittle and are also prone to more damage and cavities as the dentin is worn away more on teeth that have been used for longer. Those that are young may also need to visit more often to help monitor tooth growth and to help make sure that teeth are erupting are the right time and that they are erupting straight.  

RISKY LIFESTYLE

Lastly, those that have riskier lifestyles, like those that drink and smoke or that eat a great deal of damaging foods may need to visit more often. People that smoke and drink risk damage to their teeth which means that they are going to need to visit more often to make sure that their teeth are not damaged and that they are going to stay healthy over time. If you have any sort of bone disease or other disease that may affect the health of your teeth you may also need to visit more often.   If you are trying to figure out a good schedule for visiting the dentist, it is always helpful to talk with your dentist about any risk factors you may have. They will be able to help you work out a schedule that is particular to your teeth and to your personal oral health. Don’t have a dentist? Check out Dobson Ranch Dental Care. Book an appointment today!