One question often asked by patients concerned about their oral health is “How often should I visit the dentist?” There is no set answer to this question. Depending on a patient’s current dental health, they may require more frequent visits while others may be fine with an annual visit. A general rule of thumb, however, would be to visit your dentist every six months. Most patients benefit from a cleaning twice yearly, and most insurance coverage will cover two cleanings a year.
This also gives your dentist an opportunity to see and address any problems you may have before they become too big. Visiting your dentist often and having regular cleanings can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar (and bacteria) on your teeth.
Keeping your teeth clean can help in the prevention of gum disease and tooth decay. If caught very early, gum problems may be reversed. But once you notice that something makes your teeth feel too warm or too cold or too painful, a cleaning will no longer be enough to fix your teeth. Often fillings are already necessary to fix the cracks or caries in your teeth once you start feeling discomfort from ingesting hot or cold food or drinks. If you are already experiencing pain in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy or an extraction.
A regular dental visit allows your dentist to catch any problems early, helping in the prevention of tooth loss and aiding in the early diagnosis of more serious conditions. Dental disease has been linked to stroke, heart disease, and cancer. In the long run, a regular visit with your dentist can help save time and money and even your life, so don’t delay in scheduling your regular check-up and cleaning.