How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?

Years ago a trip to the dentist was a seldom occurrence and most dentists worked on repairing problems with peoples teeth rather than preventing them. There were no guidelines for how often one should visit the dentist and information on proper oral care was also hard to come by. Today however, health organisations have made a strong effort to educate the public about oral health and how important it is to keep on top of your dental care. It is strongly recommended that you visit the dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleaning and this has remained an accepted standard for a while now.

Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums you still need to visit regularly. Your dentist checks for early signs of problems that can later be devastating if not dealt with properly. Things like cavities, gum disease and oral cancer cannot always be seen or felt immediately until they are at an advanced stage. That is why it is important to frequently receive check-ups to maintain oral health so problems can be treated at a manageable stage. Visiting the dentist twice a year works well for most people and some people can manage less frequent visits because they have less risk of cavities or gum disease. However there are certain groups of high risk people who need to ensure they have regular attention to avoid problems. These groups include those who smoke cigarettes, diabetics, and people with current gum disease, people with weak immune response to bacterial infection and people who tend to get cavities or build ups of plaque.

During your lifetime you might find you need to visit the dentist more regularly due to stress or illness and other times less so because you may be more resilient to cavities or gum disease, your dentist will advise on the best schedule for visits. To ensure that you keep good oral health it is vitally important to take care of a few oral basics. Brushing at least twice a day and especially before sleeping is imperative. Having a routine three minutes of brushing ensures your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. Choosing a toothbrush with soft round bristles will avoid injuring you gums and wearing down the hard layer of your teeth. You should also change your tooth brush every three months because worn out bristles can also injure your gums. Flossing is an excellent way to remove hard to reach places that catch food and mouth wash also help prevent cavities and plaque build-up.

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