{"id":3634,"date":"2020-12-07T11:15:22","date_gmt":"2020-12-07T16:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=3634"},"modified":"2021-03-03T13:37:44","modified_gmt":"2021-03-03T18:37:44","slug":"how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How often should you go to the dentist?"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Visiting a dentist is essential for oral and overall health, but how often should you go to the dentist, really? Most dentists recommend biannual checkups, though this can vary. Dental insurance typically also covers two visits a year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But twice a year dental checkups may not work for everyone. How often you schedule dental visits depends on a variety of factors that we\u2019ll cover in this piece.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dental Checkups: Why Do We Need Them?<\/b><\/h2>\n

We\u2019re going to ask you the same question any dentist will the moment you sit in the chair: are you experiencing any dental pain? If your answer is no, that\u2019s great but you shouldn\u2019t wait until you feel pain before you go to the dentist. Of course, if you have oral pain or a dental accident like a chipped tooth, that should prompt you to make an appointment. But you shouldn\u2019t use pain alone to decide how often you should go to the<\/span> dentist.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Even those who brush and floss carefully will still get plaque build-up. Plaque hardens into tartar which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist can more thoroughly clean your teeth and prevent dangerous tartar.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dentists can also spot potential problems you may not have noticed yet. Not all dental issues cause pain right away and not treating a problem early on makes it more challenging to fix in the future. Your mouth can also show signs of various medical conditions; such as anemia, diabetes, and oral cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Cancer Society<\/span><\/a> states that many pre-cancers and oral cancers can be detected early during routine exams by a dentist. Regular dental checkups involve examining your entire mouth. When dentists notice concerning medical signs in your mouth, they can refer you to a specialist who can further analyze the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Expect at a Dental Checkup<\/b><\/h2>\n

Whether it\u2019s been a while since your last dentist appointment or you visit frequently, you may wonder how the process works. Here\u2019s what to expect if you need a refresher.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Due for a checkup?<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

Find a top rated dentist near you that takes your insurance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBook now<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

Most dental sessions start with questions about your general health and any dental problems you\u2019ve noticed. Your dentist or dental hygienist may also ask about your teeth-cleaning habits, diet, and whether you smoke, or drink alcohol. Your medical history updates will be recorded and sometimes they can even measure your blood pressure and heart rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some visits may require x-rays to be taken of your mouth and teeth. X-rays allow your dentist to see the areas below your gums and between your teeth. The x-ray photographs help diagnose problems a dentist can\u2019t see at a glance such as bone loss, cavities between your teeth <\/span>impacted wisdom <\/span>teeth<\/b>, abscesses, and <\/span>bone<\/b> changes linked to some <\/span>diseases<\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0 Radiation doses from dental x-rays are extremely low and they\u2019re only required periodically. If you\u2019re pregnant, especially in the first trimester, inform your dentist as they may choose to postpone this step of the examination.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s crucial your dentist examines your teeth, gums, throat, tongue, and mouth. You might also be checked for swollen lymph nodes and they may look at your lower jaw joints. Your overall mouth health will answer how often you should go to the dentist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get to Know the Dentist\u2019s Tools<\/b><\/h4>\n

Laying out on that tray will be a lineup of instruments you may not recognize. One of these helps dentists measure the spaces between your teeth and gums. Why is this important? Wide spaces can suggest gum disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"dentists<\/picture><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Small, hand-held mirrors help dentists see all parts of your mouth. The mirrors reflect light which lets them see tartar deposits more easily. With x-rays and this mirror tool, dentists can notice cavities, gingivitis, and sometimes abnormalities including tumors or cysts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hand-held scalers are metal devices used to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth. The pointed end is used above the gum line and the curved end safely cleans below the gum line. Following plaque and tartar removal, your dentist will use a mild\u00a0 abrasive polishing paste on a rotary tool. The polisher leaves your teeth looking white and shiny. Many times it also contains fluoride which is excellent to protect your teeth from future cavities.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dentist or dental hygienist will usually wrap up by flossing your teeth. If this causes your gums to bleed, it\u2019s a sign you haven\u2019t been flossing regularly on your own. How often should you go to the dentist? If you excel at flossing and brushing, it could be less often than other patients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of your appointment, you and your dentist will discuss best oral hygiene habits and when you should return. But, assuming there aren\u2019t any cavities or other oral issues to address, how long should it <\/span>really<\/span><\/i> be before your next checkup?<\/span><\/p>\n

How Often You Need a Dental Checkup<\/b><\/h2>\n

The amount of time between dental checkups varies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The spacing could be as short as three months or as long as a year (some even say two). The American Dental Association\u2019s current stance is that<\/span> dental treatment is unique<\/span><\/a> and some people only need to visit one or two times a year, while others need more frequent visits.<\/span><\/p>\n

How often you should go to the dentist is based on your current oral health, risk of future dental problems, changes to dental health, and age. Remember, this is for checkups alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t wait until your next scheduled appointment if you are noticing any dental issues including (but not limited to):<\/span><\/p>\n