How often should you see the dentist?
Dental visits help you maintain good oral health. But how often should you go?
Some only go to the dental office when they experience pain in their mouth. If you have dental fears or anxieties, you may have also experienced delaying your appointments.
But looking at dental visits as an option only when you’re feeling discomfort or pain may be harmful to your oral health. And missing your appointments may only increase your risks of developing dental problems.
In this post, we talk about how often you should see the dentist, what you can expect, and why it's crucial. Let’s dig in.
How often should you see your dentist?
Usually, dental offices send out reminders when you’re due for your routine dental cleanings and check-ups.
Here at Aqua Dental Wellness in Winnipeg, MB, we get in touch with you to remind you when your appointment is coming up or if you’re due for any procedure.
Most people require dental visits every 6 months or twice a year. This timeline helps your dental team monitor the condition of your oral health and spot potential issues ahead of time.
Even with regular brushing and flossing, deposits can still cling to your teeth. Professional hygiene cleanings are necessary to get rid of the debris buildup in your mouth and keep it from causing problems.
If you’re more prone to developing issues, such as tartar or cavities, or have an existing medical condition, you may need to see your dentist more often.
Pregnant women may need to see their dentist more often as they’re more vulnerable to gum disease due to fluctuating hormones. Heavy smokers may also need to visit more frequently as smoking increases risks for gum disease and also slows down the body’s ability to heal.
Dental insurance companies, more often than not, cover the cost of routine dental check-ups. If you need assistance in verifying how much you’ll be covered for, we can get in touch with your insurance company on your behalf.
What to expect during dental visits
Dental visits usually last for an hour or even less. Depending on the condition of your oral health or your specific concerns, your visit may also take longer.
Here are some of the things that you can expect during your appointments:
- Comprehensive oral examination. Your dentist examines your mouth and related structures and checks for signs of potential issues. They look into your teeth, gums, cheeks, and jaw, among many others. They also talk to you about any oral health related irregularities you may have been experiencing.
- Dental hygiene cleanings. Your dental hygienist performs routine hygiene cleanings to get rid of stubborn debris in your mouth. They get rid of rough spots to prevent deposits or bacteria from building up in these areas. They may also apply fluoride to help strengthen your teeth.
- Oral cancer screening. Your dentist also looks out for oral cancer symptoms. They look into your tongue, throat, jaw, and the inside of your cheeks. They can help detect the problem early on so you can also seek treatments immediately.
- Dental work assessment. During routine dental visits, your dental team also evaluates the condition of your dental work, such as crowns and bridges. They check if your dental work needs repairs or replacement.
Importance of regular dental visits
Dental problems are easier and less costly to fix during their early stages, so please don’t wait until there’s pain before you see your dentist.
Good oral hygiene habits are important and are more effective when combined with regular dental visits. Through preventative dentistry, you can maintain good oral health and keep your dental costs low.
Your oral health is connected to your general health, so don’t set it aside. If you have worries or questions about going to the dental office, let your dental team know.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Winnipeg, MB, or are due for your next dental visit, please contact Aqua Dental Wellness today at