How often should I go to the dentist
Regular dental visits (twice) a year are recommended for most patients as part of your good oral care. During your check-up, you will be seen by both a hygienist and a dentist. The dental hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, talk to you about looking after your teeth and answer any questions.
During the dental visit, the dentist will check the cleaning done by the hygienist, examine your gums and teeth, diagnose any oral health problems, perform X-rays and make recommendations about treatment. Check-ups are important then for both the cleaning of your teeth and the prevention of problems before they get too serious.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TWICE A YEAR?
You should see your dentist every six months because during your appointment your dentist will:
- Perform dental cleanings that remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially in the unseen gum line where your floss may not have reached.
- Check for issues that you may not be able to detect.
- Look for early signs of tooth decay.
- Prescribe treatment for any other oral health problems found. Early detection may help prevent a worse situation. This is especially important if it is oral cancer.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK TO SEE YOUR DENTIST MORE OFTEN?
The average person will need two dentist appointments a year. However, you may need to visit more often if you have:
- Gum disease
- A family history of plaque build-up or cavities
- A weakened immune system
- Experienced stress or illness. These can cause changes in the mouth or bring on an infection.
However, if you take good care of your teeth and gums and many years have passed without any problem then you may need to see the dentist less.
IF YOU’RE SEEING YOUR DENTIST FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHAT ESSENTIAL INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO SHARE BEFORE YOUR FIRST DENTAL CHECK?
Before your first dentist appointment, your new dentist will want to learn about your general health needs and your existing oral hygiene. They will also want to discuss the following areas:
- Medical history/current medicines: Your dentist will ask you if you have any health conditions and not just those related to the mouth. This is because some diseases can affect your oral health. For example, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. You should list medications because some may cause dry mouth which will affect your oral health. Also if you ever require anesthetic or other medicines from your dentist, they will want to know how it will react with your current medications.
- Current dental health: It’s important to let your dentist know if you think you have a new cavity, tooth sensitivity, feel any irregularity in your mouth tissue or have any other oral health concerns. This way they can make an early diagnosis and treatment.
- Dental fears: Many people have anxiety about going to the dentist or receiving dental care. Vast improvements have been made in pain management and there are many options you can now choose from. Your dentist will help you to tailor an approach that will suit your needs and help you feel comfortable.
Regular visits and checkups to the dentists are important both for adults and children. There you can make sure that your cleaning and dental hygiene habits are being done effectively. If you need a referral to an oral surgeon, then contact Bay Area OSM. They provide many services including dental implants and extractions. Located in San Leandro, CA, they serve patients throughout the East Bay area. Book your appointment now
