As soon as we begin growing our first teeth as a child, we begin visiting the dentist regularly. But in our busy adulthood, these check-ups can feel like a hassle. And we may wonder whether attending dental appointments so frequently is really necessary.
The truth is that your dentist performs crucial preventative oral health services during these routine visits. So you should keep going to these appointments to maintain good oral health.
But exactly how often should you make these types of dental appointments? Read on to discover the importance of routine dental care to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Timing Your Dental Visits
What Happens at a Routine Dental Appointment?
When you attend a routine dental appointment, your dentist begins by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. Even if you practice diligent oral hygiene at home, your toothbrush and floss cannot always reach all areas of your mouth. So your dentist will scrape away stubborn plaque and tartar build-up from tricky spots like near the gumline.
The dentist will also perform an oral exam, checking your teeth and gums for signs of dental concerns like cavities or periodontal disease. They will likely recommend a dental x-ray once a year too. This way the dentist can view the interior of your teeth and jaw and look for potential problems there as well.
Regular monitoring of your oral health like this can allow the dentist to intervene promptly if there is an issue. And then you can see less extensive damage from advanced dental problems. Therefore, you can also experience a decreased risk of dental emergencies.
How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
The average dental patient should see their dentist for routine oral health care every six months. This provides the optimal window for which a dentist can remove harmful build-up from your teeth before it hurts your smile. And they can diagnose any issues and offer swift treatment before they can cause lasting damage as well.
However, some patients may need to see their dentist more often than this. Senior-aged patients, those with a high risk of forming tartar, and patients with underlying health problems might need to schedule dental appointments every three or four months.
Talk to your dentist to find the preventative dental care plan that will suit your unique oral health needs. Dentists employ an individualized approach when providing services for each of their patients.
What If I Skip a Regular Dental Check-Up?
If you feel too overwhelmed or busy to attend your regular dental check-up, you could put your oral health in danger. Skipping a routine dental appointment will mean that plaque and tartar will remain on your teeth. These harmful residues will eat away at your dental structure, weakening your teeth and increasing your chances of forming many dental problems.
You might also risk leaving other oral health issues undiagnosed. Then a cavity could turn into advanced tooth decay without swift intervention from a dentist. And you could face severe dental damage that will require more intense and expensive dental work to fix. So do not miss your routine dental care if you can help it.
Why Regular Dental Check-ups Matter More Than You Think
Going to the dentist isn’t just about cleanings and cavities. These regular visits do much more that most people don’t realize. During every exam, your dentist checks for early signs of oral cancer that you might miss at home. They can also apply special fluoride treatments that work much better than anything you can buy in stores.
Your mouth can show early warning signs for other health problems too, like diabetes or heart disease. When you visit regularly, your dentist gets to know what’s normal for you, making it easier to spot any concerning changes right away. Patients who keep up with their dental appointments often need fewer major treatments over time, which means keeping more of their natural teeth.
Dental Care Changes As You Grow
Kids need to see the dentist more often because their teeth and jaws develop. Teens with braces need extra cleanings to prevent plaque buildup. Pregnant women should get cleanings in their second trimester because hormone changes can make gums more sensitive.
Adults with crowns, implants, or bridges need special care to make these last longer. Older adults might need more frequent visits to check for dry mouth or root decay caused by medications. Your dentist will suggest the right schedule based on your age and health.
Making Dental Visits Easier for Busy Lives
Dentists know patients have busy schedules, so many offices now offer early morning, evening, or weekend appointments. Some places even do cleanings and exams in one quick visit. If you get nervous at the dentist, ask about relaxation options or sedation to help you feel more comfortable.
Try linking your dental visits to something easy to remember, like scheduling your next appointment before you leave the office or pairing it with other regular health check-ups. Most offices will send you reminders by text or email, and many let you book online. Remember, quick preventive visits take less time and cost much less than waiting until you have a painful problem that needs emergency care.
Take Care of Your Smile Before Problems Start
Don’t wait until something hurts to see the dentist. Regular check-ups catch small issues before they become big problems. Dr. Drew Shulman makes it easy with flexible appointment times and care plans made just for you.
Call us today at (215) 372-1142 or book online to schedule your next visit. We’ll find a time that works for your schedule and help your smile stay healthy for life.