How Often Should You See a Dentist?

Seeing your dentist regularly is a great way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. If you wait until you have a dental problem, the problem is usually much larger and more difficult to manage than it would have been if it had been caught in a timely manner.

So how often should you be visiting the dentist?

Frequency of Appointments

The truth is that some people need to visit the dentist more often than other people. It comes down to your dental and oral health needs, which can dramatically vary from person to person. Generally speaking, however, you should go to the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and at least once a year for routine x-rays and a dental exam.

When You Need To Go In More Often

Twice a year cleanings might be the average, but there are many factors that can affect how often you should be going in for a dental appointment. Some of these factors include:

• Dry mouth: Whether you naturally have underactive salivary glands or you take a medication that dries out your mouth, you will need to go in more often when you have a dry mouth. Saliva is a natural cleaner for your teeth and without it, you will become more prone to a variety of dental issues, including decay. Going in for more cleanings a year can keep the teeth as clean and healthy as possible while keeping an eye out for dental concerns.
• Pregnancy: Due to the influx of hormones during pregnancy, many women will experience inflammation in the gums, known as gingivitis. This can cause the gums to bleed more and increase the risk of decay. As a result, having an extra visit during pregnancy can prevent the problems the hormones can cause.
• Cancer: Cancer treatments can have many side effects, including dry mouth and periodontal disease. The risk of infection in the gums will increase due to the immune system suppression while the medicine will cause the mouth to dry out. For the longevity of your teeth, you should see a dentist more frequently when you are undergoing cancer treatment.
• Diabetes: Another condition that can require more dental visits is diabetes. Diabetics have a higher tendency toward gum disease as well as other dental concerns. Frequent visits can help keep the conditions at way.
• Other diseases: Many other conditions and diseases will also need more monitoring by the dentist, including immune disorders, heart disease, and even kidney disease.

How Often You Need To Go In

If you are wondering how often you should be going to the dentist, the best way to find out is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At that appointment, your dentist will be able to review your health history, your current oral health, and review any x-rays that have been taken on your teeth. Together, you and your dentist will be able to make a plan that can ensure the health and longevity of your smile.