Tooth Care Tips – How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam?

Many people wonder how often they need to undergo a dental exam to maintain a healthy dentition. Getting a dentist you and your family are comfortable with is a crucial step towards good oral health. The dentist will provide tips on oral care and recommend how often you need to visit the dental office for a routine dental checkup.

How often should you visit the dentist?

Many dental professionals recommend visiting the dental office twice every year for a dental examination and professional cleaning. Regardless of how well the patient brushes and flosses, it is crucial to get a deep cleaning done every six months to maintain excellent oral health and avert oral diseases. However, according to the American Dental Association, each person is unique, and some teeth may require more frequent dental care than others.

To answer, “How often should a patient have a dental exam?” There is no universal answer. Patients must discuss their treatment with the dentist to know how often they need to visit the dentist. Averagely, biannual visits work for many people. Some people can escape with lesser visits. People with a high risk of oral diseases might need to go for checkups every three to four months or more. Categories of people who require regular dental care include:

• Pregnant women
• Smokers
• Diabetics
• Patients with periodontal disease
• People prone to cavities or plaque accumulation
• People with weak immunity to bacterial infection

The frequency of the visits may change depending on the patient’s overall wellbeing. When under stress or illness, the patient may need more frequent visits so that the dentist can treat temporary infections or reverse changes in the oral cavity.

During a routine dental exam, the dentist will check for indications of oral health issues such as gum disease and caries. These regular visits ensure early detection of symptoms from oral diseases so that they can be treated before they worsen into serious issues. Another significant benefit of going for regular dental appointments is to set an excellent example for the children. They will learn early in life that going for a dental checkup is vital for lasting oral health.

Additional care

Aside from routine dental checkups, sometimes a patient may need to visit their dentist for other purposes. The dentist should examine sudden pain or symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, painful chewing or facial swelling. Patients also need to visit the dentist after a diagnosis of a health condition such as diabetes to know how it might affect their oral health.

For children, especially younger ones, it may be hard to determine if their symptoms are a cause for worry since they cannot always describe what is wrong. Parents need to check their child’s mouth regularly for anything out of the ordinary.

Final note

Regular visits to the dentist for a dental exam is crucial for a healthy oral cavity. Even if you have never been treated for cavities, regular visits may help to prevent future oral health diseases. Routine dental checkups and cleaning will not only help keep your teeth healthy but also set an excellent example for your kids to follow when they grow older.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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