Do I Really Need to See My Dentist Twice per Year?

| September 27, 2017

dental exam“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” or so the saying goes. While healthy eating may keep your doctor away, there’s no such saying about dentists. That’s because you should visit your dentist a minimum of twice a year.

How Often Do I Need to See My Dentist?

Like we said, you should visit your dentist twice a year, even if you take excellent care of your teeth. However, there are some individuals at higher risk of tooth decay who might need to go more often. These high-risk groups include:

  • Smokers
  • Pregnant women
  • Diabetics
  • People with gum disease
  • People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
  • People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque

If you fall into one of these categories, we may recommend you come in for a dentist appointment every 3-4 months. Also, during times of stress or illness, people who typically visit their dentist every 6 months may need to come in more often.

Are There Any Other Times I Should See My Dentist?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with us right away, rather than waiting until your next regularly scheduled dental checkup:

  • Tooth Pain – even if your pain resides in a day or two, it’s best to address the underlying cause
  • Inflamed Gums – this can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease
  • White Spots on Teeth – white spots are one of the first signs of dental decay
  • Sensitivity to Hot or Cold – this is sometimes an indicator of tooth decay
  • Changes of Color in the Mouth – we recommend you regularly check your mouth and if you notice anything unusual, like changing colors, see a dentist
  • Canker Sores that Won’t Heal – while canker sores aren’t that uncommon, you definitely want to have ones that won’t heal checked out
  • Dry Mouth – this could possibly be a sign of bacteria in the mouth
  • Headaches – frequent headaches (especially ones in the morning) may be a sign of nighttime teeth grinding
  • Bad Breath – this is one of the commons first signs of gingivitis
  • Metallic Taste in the Mouth – this can be another early indicator of gum disease

Why Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

Regular dentist appointments are very important, because they give us the opportunity to:

  • Clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. Unfortunately, tartar can’t be removed by brushing alone, making regular visits critical to your dental health.
  • Examine your gums for signs of early gum disease and check your teeth for evidence of tooth decay.
  • Inspect dental work like crowns, fillings, and sealants to make sure they’re in good condition
  • Polish your teeth to whiten your smile
  • Check your neck, face, and mouth for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer treatment is most successful when the cancer is discovered early. Because no other medical professional regularly screens for oral cancer, this is particularly important.

Speaking of those regular checkups, are you due for an appointment? If so, now’s a great time to schedule your next visit to Grandview Dental!

Simply call us at 614.486.7378 or click here to access our online appointment request form. For your convenience, we offer day and evening appointments.

Related Posts: