Determining Dental Visit Frequencies
Seeing your dentist regularly is an important part of dental care routine. But just how often should you pay a visit to your dentist? The general rule of thumb is twice a year, as that involves dental exams and professional cleanings every six months to help maintain oral hygiene and prevent many dental diseases.
The ADA says, though, that since people differ, others may require more dental care than others. It is important to discuss your treatment with your dentist and determine just how often you need to visit for proper oral care. The frequency of visits can also change from time to time, depending on your overall health and other factors, such as pregnancy, or upon diagnosis of particular medical conditions.
What are the advantages?
Signs of oral problems, such as gum disease and cavities, are detected early to avoid future complications. Another is that it’s a good example for children to follow. As far as children are concerned, it is better to keep tab of their oral health during their developing years. Signs of trauma, sores, decay, malocclusion and other conditions are not easily vocalized, so parents must keep watch.
When do you start seeing the dentist?
Young children must be acclimated to the routine exam process. The ADA recommends that your child’s first dental visit occur within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting regular checkups at an early age will help your child become more comfortable with the dental tools and with sitting in the dental chair.
So what is the best frequency of visits?
Again, the general rule of thumb is every six months. Some can get away with fewer visits. Others may need more frequent visits. People with very little risk of cavities or gum disease can do fine seeing their dentist just once a year. People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months, or more.
Regular visits to your dentist are essential for healthy teeth. Even if you have never had a single cavity, it is important to see your dentist to prevent any future oral care issues. Routine dental cleanings will not only help keep your family’s teeth healthy, but they will also establish a lifetime of healthy choices for your children.
Visiting Your Dentist In Bellevue
Start your regular checkups at Overlake Dental and find out your state of oral health. From here, your dental team in Bellevue can determine just how regularly should you visit for optimal care.
