How Often Should We Go To The Dentist?
Many people believe that seeing a dentist twice a year is sufficient. However, there are valid reasons to visit the dentist more often than the recommended bi-annual visits. The idea of these visits being enough originated from a toothpaste advertisement and lacks medical backing.
This guide emphasises the significance of appropriately scheduling dental appointments to achieve optimal dental health and presents compelling reasons to visit the dentist beyond the twice-a-year prescription.
Appropriate Scheduling For Dentist Bentleigh East Appointments
Although many people ascribe to the two annual dental appointments, the appropriate scheduling of dental appointments depends on an individual’s state of oral health. Indeed, smiles do not shine the same, so taking a dental health schedule as a personal journey makes sense.
Anxiety or fear, and dental treatment costs are why many people avoid dental offices. Only uncontainable circumstances force them to book and honour their appointments. Others see no reason for the visits when there is no detectable or major dental problem. Many patients use over-the-counter medications and home remedies instead of visiting a dentist. So the question remains: How frequently should a person see a dentist?
Yearly Visits
The successful management of dental problems, like all health issues, depends on their early detection and the appropriate treatment. Annual visits serve those with a low risk of dental issues. During the visit, the dentist evaluates the patient’s oral health and notes any early signs of dental or gum concerns.
The dentist performs normal procedures such as teeth cleaning, which eliminates the build-up of plaque and tartar. The treatment includes procedures and advice on controlling the proliferation of harmful bacteria within the oral cavity. Such visits often are for general check-ups.
Twice A Year Visits
Upon noticing an increasing occurrence of minor dental issues like bad breath and toothache- no matter how mild, sore, or bleeding gums- it becomes pertinent to schedule dental visits at least twice annually. These are the initial signs of potential teeth damage and gum disease that can lead to greater complications.
Some health conditions can predispose a person to oral problems putting them at a higher risk of developing dental problems or having them aggravate quickly. Pregnant mothers, people with diabetes, stomach acid reflux, and active smokers should schedule more frequent dental visits. The same applies to patients with a compromised immune system and those with pre-existing dental issues such as bruxism, infected gums, sinusitis, and discoloured teeth.
First Visits
The first dental appointment for a child should occur by the first year of age, preferably with the onset of teething. This appointment allows the dentist to examine the child’s teeth. It helps detect plaque build-up, cavities, the primary teeth’ alignment, and other early childhood dental complications. From the visit, parents receive tips on handling the child’s oral hygiene and training the child in adopting the best oral healthcare habits.
Emergency Visits
Dental emergencies like dislodged, broken, or shaky teeth resulting from an injury or accident require urgent medical attention. Sudden incidences of pain in the gums or teeth also warrant emergency care. Some previous dental patients with loose veneers, crowns, dental fillings, or those that come out should also seek emergency dental care.
As The Dentist Prescribes
For some patients, dental appointments result from scheduled visits prescribed by the dentist. Often such are follow-up appointments for the doctor to evaluate or complete dental procedures such as root canal treatments or fixing braces. During the visit, the doctor also monitors a patient’s recovery progress on treatment.
Non-medical Dental Visits
Some people schedule dental appointments for cosmetic dentistry services. The procedures such as fixing veneers, teeth whitening, or installing dentures may not have any medical purpose. Such visits are for services and procedures customised to enhance the appearance of the teeth and a person’s overall facial appearance. Any subsequent visits depend on the nature of the procedures and the ability of the patient to pay for them.
Book An Appointment Today
It should not escape notice that even with the correct dental hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily and flossing, regular dental visits remain advisable for everyone. The dentist will advise on the best schedule of appointments depending on an individual’s oral health. Dental visits are the primary way to prevent, manage, and cure teeth and gum problems and promote holistic health.
