How Often Should You Really Visit the Dentist? The Answer Might Surprise You!

If your teeth feel fine, do you really need to see the dentist? You brush and floss daily, avoid sugary snacks, and haven’t had cavities in years—why bother with regular dental checkups? And is the advice to visit the dentist twice a year truly necessary for everyone?

The blanket answer to this question is yes, it’s still necessary to visit a dental clinic twice a year. However, the truth is that dental health varies between people. Some others may need those regular once-every-six-month checkups, but many more may need different frequency of visits. It all comes down to the basic oral health care, lifestyle, and medical conditions of said person.

So, how do you know the right visit schedule for you? Let’s break it down.

How Important Are Regular Dental Checkups?

The condition of a person’s teeth depends on a lot of factors. Some people may be more prone to cavities or gum disease, while others might be at low risk due to excellent hygiene and strong genetics. That said, it’s beneficial for everyone to see a dentist regularly to maintain a healthy smile. Visiting the dentist for an oral health checkup saves you from a lot of issues in the future.

• Regular visits can detect issues early: Oral health practitioners help you identify any problems that may become huge in the future. This is your chance to stop problems like cavities and gum disease before they become signs of oral cancer. Early detection often leads to simpler and more cost-effective treatments.
• Regular visits allow for professional cleanings: Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings help remove these buildups, preventing decay and gum disease.
• Regular visits help maintain overall health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Conditions like heart disease and diabetes have been associated with poor oral hygiene. So, taking care of your oral health through regular dental visits can contribute to your general health.

The Standard Recommendation: Twice a Year

The twice-a-year dental visit has long been the standard recommendation. It originated as a general recommendation to catch potential issues early and maintain oral health. Even for people with healthy teeth and gums, this frequency works as well just to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy.

During these routine checkups, dentists and their assistants perform cleanings, examinations, and, when necessary, X-rays to monitor and maintain oral health. They also recommend treatments to handle any kind of oral health issues discovered during your visit.

However, in some cases, your visits may be more frequent. This increase in frequency happens when your oral health condition changes. Consider the following factors:

• A new oral health status: Patients with a history of cavities or gum disease may require more frequent visits. They usually visit the dentist every three or four months to prevent the progression of these conditions.
• Lifestyle choices influence: Regular smokers or people who consume a high sugar diet risk more dental problems. For them, more regular checkups may be necessary.
• Chronic health conditions: If the patient has a chronic illness like diabetes, which may significantly affect oral health, more frequent dental visits are advisable.
• Age: Younger children and older adults alike may need more frequent checkups at the dental clinic. These age groups usually have varying issues with their teeth and gums.

Are there people needing fewer visits?

There may be some people who need fewer visits to the dentist. People with excellent oral hygiene practices, a balanced diet, and no significant dental issues may consider prolonging the intervals between visits. For these lucky few, a trip to the dentist once a year may be enough.

However, we still recommend you to consult with your dentist. They will be able to provide more personalized advice based on a more comprehensive assessment.

Conclusion

The recommended twice-a-year visit to the dentist’s office is still the standard. Depending on your oral health, you may need to visit more times in a year than normal. If you strictly keep up with oral hygiene routines and have good genetics, you may even visit only once a year. However, as always, consult with your oral health practitioner to find out the right frequency of visits for you.

At our St. George dental clinic, we have a series of treatments benefiting your oral health. Make an appointment today and keep your beautiful smile.