We all have a habit of putting off going to the dentist. According to the CDC, only about 64% of adults have visited a dentist within the last year. Life gets busy, and if we don’t experience pain in our mouth, it’s easy to forgo the regular dental cleanings. But visiting the dentist every six months will greatly benefit your oral health. Even if you have good oral health, it can be easily maintained with regular cleanings.
Time to Call the Dentist
Aside from your regular visits, there are specific times you should seek out a dentist. If you are experiencing pain in your gum or teeth for an extended period of time, you may want to see a dentist. There could be a problem that needs addressing. When you floss, if your gums are consistently swollen and bleeding easily, see a dentist. You could have a gum disease; a dentist can help you navigate that. Any problem in your mouth that is not healing should be looked at by a dentist. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, you may have a cavity and should take care of it asap. Cavities are irreversible and once they tooth decay has started, it will only worsen. Other reasons to see a dentist soon include losing a filling, chronic dry mouth, or pain in your jaw.
Dental Visits for Children
Children should have their first visit to the dentist within a few months of their first tooth coming in. After their first visit, your child should have dental check-ups about every six months or as often as your dentist recommends. This will help your child to avoid cavities and other oral issues.
Dental Visits for Adults
It is a common misconception that adults don’t need to visit the dentist as often as children. Even if you have great oral hygiene and have no problems arise at your checkups, regular dental cleanings will help you to maintain your oral health. Certain insurance plans will even require you to visit the dentist regularly.
Typically, no matter your age, you should be going to the dentist at least every six months. It may vary based on your individual needs or special circumstances but if you aren’t visiting your dentist at least twice a year, start now.
Special Circumstances
Certain people may be at a higher risk for dental disease and should be visiting the dentist more regularly. These people may include smokers, pregnant women, diabetics, people with weakened immune responses to a bacterial infection, people who are more prone to cavities, people who are being treated for cancer, people with HIV, people with heart disease or people who currently have gum disease. These situations put you at higher risk for tooth decay and bacterial infections. More regular cleanings in these situations may help you to prevent potential damage to your teeth or body. If any of these situations apply to you, consider visiting the dentist every three to four months.
