Wondering how often you should have a teeth check up?
Around 85% of American adults consider oral health important. However, 42% of them admit they don’t visit the dentist as often as they’d like.
Most fall below at least one dental visit per year. According to an ADA survey, two primary reasons adults don’t visit as often are the costs and low perceived needs. It’s true for adults of all ages and income levels.
Other reasons for not visiting a dentist include time and travel constraints. However, sticking to the recommended frequency of dental visits is important for oral health. Read on to discover how often you should go for a teeth check-up.
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How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
Both adults and children should visit a dentist once every six months for an oral exam and cleaning. It’s the standard recommended frequency throughout the US dental profession.
Having a teeth check-up twice a year allows dentists to catch and treat any problems while they’re still small. Smaller problems detected early are also more affordable to treat.
Most dental insurance companies also cover two check-ups a year. If you don’t have dental insurance, there’s still a variety of financing options for you. Check out boisedentist.com for more details.
Most people must visit the dentist every six months or even once a year. It’s only when you don’t have any oral diseases, have no family history of oral problems, and practice good oral care. Your dentist will also recommend how often you should have a check-up.
Who Should Visit the Dentist More Often?
There are exceptions to the twice-a-year rule for dental visits. Certain conditions and factors increase the frequency of check-ups and cleanings.
If you’re prone to oral health problems, you must schedule visits more frequently every year. It’s especially true if you have a history of oral health issues and other periodontal diseases. Other conditions include:
- People with dry mouth
- People with physical disabilities
- People with mental conditions
Take note, people with physical and mental disabilities often can’t take care of their oral health properly. If they can’t get other people’s help, it’s best to take them to a dentist. It allows them to receive proper dental care.
Cancer patients taking medications will often get various side effects. Some of these include drying out the mouth. It puts them at risk of various oral problems, meaning they need more frequent dental care.
Diabetes can also contribute to oral health problems. Heavy smokers also have a higher risk of gum disease and will need more regular check-ups.
Why a Teeth Check-Up Is Important
Even if you’re careful about your oral hygiene, you must continue with regular dental visits. You can’t be perfectly sure about your oral health. All the check-ups and cleanings maintain your excellent condition.
Dental professionals have the necessary training to look for problems you can’t see or even feel. Cavities or gum disease can be invisible or painless until they get worse. Dentists are also capable of detecting oral cancer and other serious conditions.
Most oral problems are preventable or easier to treat when caught early. It’s why seeing a dentist regularly is important even if you have good oral health.
What to Expect During a Dental Visit
Dental check-ups usually last an hour or less to complete. A teeth check-up allows your dentist or dental hygienist to assess your oral health. They can make recommendations for necessary treatments or hygiene practices.
Every dental practice sets and observes its procedures during a check-up. However, you can generally expect the following during your dental visit:
Checking for Cavities
Your teeth can have decay, chips, cracks, and other damages. The dentist will check for these issues and repair them. A dental hygienist assists by recording any tooth in need of treatment.
Assessing Your Gum Health
Your dentist will also check on the health of your gums. They’ll look for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis.
They’ll check for pockets around each tooth. The gums may pull away because of bacteria and plaque build-up under the gum line.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Proper oral care and regular dental cleaning can stop and reverse it.
Periodontitis, meanwhile, is the later stage of gum disease. It needs specialized treatment from a periodontist.
Condition of Existing Dental Work
Dentists also look at your existing dental work during an oral exam. Fillings and other dental work won’t last forever.
They’ll make recommendations for a new filling, crown, or bridge. It’s only when your current one is already in poor condition.
Cleaning
The dentist will clean your teeth using scalers and other dental tools. These will gently remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line.
After that, they’ll polish your teeth with a paste and floss between them. The dentist or hygienist may tell you about areas requiring more attention when you clean your teeth.
X-Rays
The dentist may also have x-rays of your teeth taken if you’re due for one. They’ll do it at the start of the appointment. The dentist can then review them before examining your mouth.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dentist may do an oral cancer screening before checking your teeth and gums. It involves checking your palate, tongue, throat, the inside of your cheeks, and other areas of your oral cavity. They’ll also feel the outside of your jaw and throat.
The dentist does it to look for any abnormalities or signs of cancer. They’re usually the first line of defense in treating oral cancer.
Get Regular Teeth Check Up for Better Oral Health
Dental professionals recommend getting a teeth check up every six months. Do it even when you practice good oral care and have great dental health.
You may have problems you can’t even see or feel. Dentists can detect any problems and treat them before they get worse.
Do you want more tips on oral health? Read our other guides here!
