Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is an extremely important part of an individual’s health policy. Without regular checkups, poor dental hygiene problems can quickly develop into painful, disfiguring and even life-threatening medical conditions. Because of this, it is important to understand how often an individual should schedule a visit to their dental care provider.
How Often Should Dental Checkups Occur?
Dentists agree that at a minimum, an individual should have at least one dental checkup every six months. This checkup usually includes a basic examination, dental cleaning and interview with the dentist to determine if there have been any unusual issues over the last six months that require addressing.
It is important to understand that many dental health issues are not obvious in the beginning. Gum disease, tooth wear and even oral cancer can all progress to a very advanced state before the victim notices anything out of the ordinary. By scheduling biyearly dental appointments, it becomes possible to ensure that any of these conditions are caught as early as possible, before they develop into serious health issues.
Individuals Who Should Have More Frequent Dental Examinations
Some individuals suffer from health conditions or practices that may require a more frequent schedule of dental examinations. Such conditions can include the following:
• A family history of oral cancer.
• Individuals who smoke or use chewing tobacco.
• Diabetics.
• Individuals who are prone to gum disease or tooth decay.
In these cases, the dentist may suggest a shorter interval between dental exams. For example, having an exam every 90 days could be prescribed. This is because these health conditions can progress very quickly, making it vital that any issues be detected as early as possible.
When Should You Visit the Dentist?
In addition to regularly-scheduled dental visits, anyone experiencing discomfort or has suffered damage to their teeth should immediately schedule a visit with their dentist. Symptoms such as bleeding from the gums, loose teeth or chronic tooth pain often indicate an advanced dental health condition that must be rectified as quickly as possible. In some cases, such as the onset of a case of oral cancer, visiting the dentist immediately can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Healthy teeth are a vital part of any fulfilling and comfortable life. No matter the patient’s age, having regularly scheduled dental examinations will help ensure that an individual’s teeth remain healthy, clean and attractive.