How Frequently Should One Get Teeth Checked?

We all know that regularly visiting a dentist is crucial to having a healthy mouth, but only a few ever go. Almost half of adults admit that they do not go to the dentist as often, with most only making a dental appointment because they were experiencing pain. So how often should you visit the dentist and why it is important? Read on to learn how frequently you should get your teeth checked and how it can benefit your overall health.

How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

It is a standard recommendation that adults and children should visit a dentist every six months for an oral exam and cleaning. Generally, your dentist will recommend how often you should come in for cleaning and check-up, but there are some exceptions. Your dentist might want you to come in more frequently for an exam and cleaning if you fall under any of these categories.

You are pregnant. Pregnancy causes fluctuating hormones that can put you at greater risk for developing cavities and gum disease.
You are a smoker. Tobacco use can cause gum disease and make it harder for the body to heal after oral surgery and other dental procedures.
You are diabetic. Diabetes can contribute to gum disease and other dental health issues.
You are a cancer patient. There are cancer medications that can dry out the mouth, putting patients at a higher risk for oral health problems.
You are a heart patient. Bacteria in the mouth can make their way to the heart. People with poor oral health are at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems than those with healthy mouths.

What to Expect in a Dental Appointment?

A dental checkup takes an hour or less to complete. This appointment gives dentists and dental hygienists a chance to check your oral health and make recommendations for at-home hygiene and other needed treatments. Every dental practice has its own procedures for a checkup but you can expect the following:

X-rays. If you are due for an x-ray, the dentist will take this at the start of the appointment to review them before they start examining the mouth.
Cleaning and polishing. The dentist will clean your teeth using scalers and other dental tools that remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces. After this, they will polish the teeth using paste.
Oral cancer screening. Before examining the gums and teeth, the dentist might perform an oral cancer screening test. Your dentist is mostly the first line of defense when treating oral cancer since they can spot it before another doctor.
Cavity detection. The dentist will examine the teeth for cracks, decay, chips, and other damages that need repair.
Check existing dental work. Most dental work such as fillings does not last forever, so a dentist will check their condition during an exam. They can make recommendations if the current one is no longer keeping the tooth healthy and strong.
Assess gum health. The dentist will check the condition of the gums for any signs of periodontitis or gingivitis.

Sticking to your regular dental cleanings and check-ups is all about preventive care. Treating oral issues during their early stages is less expensive and requires less time in the dental office compared to merely seeing a dentist if you feel pain. Remember that your oral health affects your overall health so see your dentist regularly for checkups.

About Castle Hills Dentistry:

Castle Hills Dentistry is committed to ensuring that patients have the most beautiful, healthy, and natural smiles. Dr. Ryan Daniel takes pride in his attention to detail and the use of the latest procedures and technologies for a comfortable and painless experience.