How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?

Oral health in the United States has been bad for decades. Oral exams in the US military over 50 years ago showed that the teeth of enlisted men were a major concern. At the time there were not health recommendations that helped people understand how often they should be visiting the dentist in savage mn. Dentists were in the business of fixing teeth rather than preventing problems. Eventually national health organizations and dental organizations came to the conclusion that steps should be taken to set guidelines for the public, and standards should be set to focus on prevention efforts. There wasn’t a great deal of evidence to help guide these recommendations. While they may have been a “best guess” the recommendations said that in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease Americans should go to the dentist two times a year for a regular check-up and a professional cleaning.

Today, this twice a year rule is still the rule of thumb for most people.

In reality, scheduling a visit with your dentist should really be dependent on your own personal oral hygiene and overall health status. But, maybe its ok that this twice a year rule has been publicly accepted? When most Americans think of their health their teeth are probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Having this rule helps everyone remember it is important to check in on their gums and teeth. In fact, even if your teeth and gums are in great shape and you are diligent about brushing and flossing, it is important that you still see the dentist on a regular basis. There may be issues with your teeth, gums, or mouth that you can’t yet feel or see. The pain and symptoms associated with dental problems or often not visible until they are in later stages and can be a serious problem, such as gum disease or oral cancer. If problems are found early they can be treated early and keep you safe.

So,how often do YOU need to visit the dentist?

The truth is that is really varies for everyone. Overall, going to the dentist twice a year is perfect maintenance for most people. Some individuals who are at higher risk of gum disease or cavities or have persistent problems may need to go more frequently. Low risk individuals may only
need to schedule one visit a year. High risk individuals may need to see their dentist every three or four months. This group of individuals includes smokers, pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, people who have gum disease or get a lot of plaque build-up. The best way to determine how often you need to visit the dentist is to have a conversation with your dentist. Your suggested frequency of visits may change from one time to the next, especially if you have times of illness or stress.

In general, if you take care of your teeth and gums and you see your dentist on regular basis, your dentist may decrease your frequency of needed visits. Determining what’s best for YOU starts with talking to your dentist!

Learn More About General Dentists : What does a Dentist Do?