Good oral health requires regular check-ups. What is the best time to visit the dentist for such appointments?
Although the norm is to see the dentist once every six months, it’s possible for you to schedule more frequent appointments depending on your dental needs. Here’s the information you need about when you should visit your dentist for cleanings or check-ups.
Assessing Your Oral Health and Needs
Your individual dental health needs will dictate the frequency of your appointments. Your age, your dental history, current oral health and the risk of developing problems will all impact how often you see the dentist. Here are some guidelines that will help you figure out how often you should see the dentist.
Low-Risk Patients
A dentist may only be required to see you if your risk of developing any dental problems is low. People with low-risk teeth are those who have good oral hygiene and have not had any dental problems such as gum disease, cavities or other issues.
Moderate Risk Patients:
Patients with moderate risk include those who have some issues with their teeth or are at high risk for developing them. This includes those who have had gum disease or cavities in the past. Patients with moderate to high risk should visit the dentist at least once every six months in order to maintain their oral health and prevent problems from getting worse.
Patients at high risk
High-risk patients include those who have had significant dental issues in the past, such as frequent cavity problems, gum disease or other oral health issues. This group should visit the dentist once every three to six months to maintain good oral health and to reduce the likelihood of developing new issues.
Factors that influence the frequency of dental appointments
There are several factors that influence how often you see your dentist, aside from your oral health. These factors include:
Age:
Younger adults and children might need to see the dentist more often than older adults. Children should start seeing the dentist at the age of one, or as soon as their first tooth emerges. Older adults may need to see the dentist more often due to age-related factors like dry mouth and medications that can affect dental health.
Conditions
Dental problems can be more likely for people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, or heart disease. A medical condition that can affect your oral health may mean you need to visit the dentist more often.
Smoking:
Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease or other problems. You may need to see your dentist more frequently if you smoke.
Pregnancy:
Women who are pregnant may notice changes in their oral health as a result of hormonal fluctuations. These women may require frequent appointments to treat any possible dental problems that may develop during pregnancy.
The bottom line
Most people visit the dentist once every six month for cleanings and check-ups. The frequency of your appointments will vary depending on your specific oral health needs. You may need to visit the dentist more often depending on your lifestyle, medical conditions, age, and other factors. You should consult your dentist about the best time to schedule your dental appointments.
Regular check-ups and cleanings are a great way to prevent and treat dental problems. Schedule a visit with your dentist today if you feel the need.