How Often Should You Visit a Dentist?
Not sure how long it’s been since you had your last visit to the dentist? You’re not alone.
It’s important to keep up with regular dental visits to ensure your teeth stay clean, there aren’t any bacteria growing, and you don’t have any dental problems developing.
How often you should visit the dentist depends on your mouth’s needs. Everyone is different, so while some people may need to see a dentist once a year, others may need to see one three times a year.
For example, one person may be biologically more at-risk for tooth decay and need their teeth professionally cleaned two to three times yearly. On the other hand, a different person may be in perfect health, stay away from sugary foods and drinks, brush their teeth, and floss regularly. This person would most likely get by with one visit annually.
So, how often should you visit a dentist? Our Point Pleasant dentist lays all that out for you below.
How Often Should Adults Visit a Dentist?
Healthy adults can visit the dentist twice yearly for peace of mind, but only one visit per year is necessary. However, this doesn’t mean you should wait for your scheduled appointment if you have a damaged tooth, bleeding gums, or pain.
You should talk to your primary dentist about appointment frequency to make sure you don’t require more than one per year.
How Often Should Kids Visit a Dentist?
Since their mouths are still growing and developing, we recommend that healthy kids visit a dentist twice yearly. This will allow developmental issues to be caught early and corrected before they become more serious.
Why Should You Regularly Visit a Dentist?
We may not all like it, but regularly visiting a dentist is important to maintain oral health. Regular visits ensure your teeth get thoroughly cleaned to prevent tooth decay and damage. It’s also a way to identify issues so they can be addressed as soon as possible.
Teeth can’t repair themselves, and you only get one set during your adult life. So ensuring they are in tip-top shape is crucial to having a healthy, beautiful smile.
Reasons You Would Have to Visit the Dentist More Often
As mentioned above, a healthy person should visit a dentist once or twice yearly. However, if you are at a higher risk for developing oral health issues or feel that something is wrong, you might need to go more often.
Periodontal Maintenance
If you were treated for periodontal disease, you likely have to visit the dentist three to four times per year for monitoring and infection prevention. Periodontal maintenance is almost always required after severe periodontitis is resolved, and you will need to do it for life.
Dental Procedures
Some dental procedures require several visits over a year. Dental implants, for example, usually require at least three to four visits to complete.
Some other procedures that require multiple visits include:
- Getting dentures
- Severe TMJ therapy
- Periodontal disease treatment
Ongoing Checkups
After a major procedure, it’s common to schedule appointments more regularly than once or twice per year. This is because the dentist will want to monitor progress and make sure no issues have arisen.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can make you more susceptible to oral health issues. Some of these include:
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Cancer treatment
- Pregnancy
Visit a Dentist in Point Pleasant, New Jersey
If it has been more than a year since your last dentist appointment, book a visit today! Don’t put it off because you may have an issue unbeknownst to you!
About the Author
Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information call (732) 714-1030 or to schedule an appointment!