How Regularly Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Why Are Regular Dental Appointments Important?

It is important that you make appointments with your dentist on a regular basis as they help you maintain good oral hygiene. When teeth start developing problems, a small issue can end up execrating quickly. But what exactly are ‘regular’ dental appointments and how often are you supposed to see your dental practitioner?

It is important to understand that quick diagnosis and treatment of dental issues can help reduce the difficulty and pain for the affected person as well as significantly lower the cost of treatment. During dental appointments, dentists do not just handle the existing problem but they also look for signs of oral cancer and other ailments such as diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome.

How Often Should Kids Visit the Dentist?

Children should see the dentist by their first birthday or by the time their first tooth falls out. During the first appointment, the dentist will offer useful and practical advice on how to care for the early teeth of your child. As your child advances in age, you should set dental appointments as often as the dental practitioner advises. To prevent cavities and other types of dental issues, most dentists recommend that an appointment is set at least once every six months. It is important that you consult your dentist so as to create an appointment schedule for your child.

How Often Should Adults Visit the Dentist?

Your dental practitioner can advise you on how frequent your appointments should be based on your general health, your oral health and other predisposing factors that put you at risk of gum disease and tooth decay. For example, adults who have good oral hygiene and no other health issues may be required to come for a checkup at least twice a year. It is also important that your current insurance plan has an impact on how often you should set your dental appointments. For example, if you want to enjoy the benefits of comprehensive insurance, you may need to schedule an appointment with your dentist every 6 months.

There are also other factors that determine how often you need to see a dentist. You may need to see your dental practitioner more frequently if:

• You are pregnant

Pregnancy causes gum inflammation which is also known as gingivitis and other issues and as such, you may need to set appointments more often if you are pregnant.

• You are a smoker

Smoking tobacco usually predisposes a person to the risk of oral cancer and severe gum disease meaning more frequent visits to the dentist may be necessary.

• You are a cancer patient

A person who is receiving treatment for cancer can get oral issues such as a dry mouth and other infections meaning that it may be necessary to see a dentist more frequently.

• You suffer from diabetes

People who are suffering from diabetes have a high risk of getting fungal infections, gum disease and other oral problems meaning that visits to the dentist may need to be more frequently.

• You suffer from cardiovascular diseases

There is a connection between cardiovascular health and dental health. Maintaining good dental hygiene can lower the risk of getting cardiovascular ailments exponentially.

• You are HIV positive

The treatment given to people who are HIV positive puts them at high risk of getting oral infections and dental decay. People who are HIV positive may therefore need to see the dentist more often.

When Will You Know It Is Time to See Your Dentist?

Apart from the instances/situations discussed above, you may also need to see your dentist if:

• You have chronic tooth or gum pain that is causing you a lot of discomfort
• You have gums that are swollen, red or gums that bleed easily
• You have a sore/sores in your mouth that won’t heal
• You lose a tooth filing
• You have a tooth that is sensitive to pressure and/or hot and cold temperatures
• You have problems with restored teeth
• You constantly have a dry mouth
• You have painful jaws
• Your jaws produce clicking noises