How Often Should You Go See a Dentist?
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If you’re already part of the Dentologie family, you likely schedule dental visits twice a year. But you may be wondering, “How often should I go to the dentist?” Generally, you should see the dentist every six months, but sometimes, you may need to see the dentist more frequently. Let’s get to the bottom of how often you should visit your dentist.
Do You Really Need to See A Dentist Twice a Year?
Ideally, you should visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine check-up. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing your dentist for an oral exam and cleaning twice a year.
These regular visits are important because they help your dentist find any dental issues early, allowing treatment before problems become too costly and complicated. On average, these biannual visits typically only amount to about two hours per year at the dentist.
When Do You Need to See the Dentist More Frequently?
Generally, if you take good care of your teeth, seeing the dentist twice a year should cover it. But if you have gum issues, heart or diabetes concerns, or just tend to get cavities easily, your dentist may want to see you more often.
Frequent appointments can help your dentist monitor your teeth more closely and prevent additional complications caused by these conditions.
You may also need to see the dentist more if you need fillings, root canals, crowns, or dental implants. Depending on the severity of your tooth repair, you may need one or several appointments (in addition to your 6-month check-ups). Cosmetic treatments like bonding, Invisalign, and teeth whitening also require additional appointments.
Are There Signs You Need Another Appointment?
So, how often should you visit the dentist when dealing with pain or other teeth issues? If you’re ever in pain or notice any changes in your teeth, contact your dentist. Signs you may need an additional appointment include:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- Puffy or bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain or swelling in your mouth or face
- Difficulty chewing
How Long Can You Go Without Seeing a Dentist?
According to the ADA, “100 million Americans fail to see a dentist each year.” But how long is too long to not see a dentist? Regular dental cleanings are known to help prevent most dental diseases.
If plaque isn’t removed regularly with brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar. Tartar increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease and is removed with special scraping tools at the dentist, not regular brushing. So, even 6 months to a year without a dental check-up could cause early signs of gum disease or tooth disease to go unnoticed. If you never go to the dentist, you will likely accumulate some tartar on your teeth.
Need to Schedule A Dental Visit?
Whether you haven’t been to the dentist for years or need to schedule your next teeth cleaning, Dentologie is here to help! Our friendly team offers a judgment-free zone to help keep your smile healthy. Dentologie locations throughout Chicago provide general dentistry services from cleanings, fillings, root canals, and more.