We all know how important it is to go and have your teeth checked. But how often should you go to the dentist? The general rule of thumb is that dental check-up times should occur twice a year – every six months. However, how often you should be visiting the dentist can also be influenced by several different factors.
Casey Dentists, Townsville’s leading dental health facility, are here to answer your burning questions and provide an informative guide to answer “how often should you go to the dentist?”. Striving to provide the highest level of dental care for you and your family, our focus is you, your oral health and developing a long-term relationship with healthy dental habits.
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
Australia’s oral health tracker has revealed in the latest data that only 48.8% of adults (18+) have had a general dental check-up in the last 12 months. The national oral health study shows that both children and adults suffer from a staggering amount of dental decay. The best way to repair, alleviate and prevent dental concerns is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
So, how often should you go to the dentist? It’s a good question! While most experts agree that every six months will suffice, several factors can mean you may require more regular general dentistry services.
When Should You Go to the Dentist?
Even if you’re someone that diligently brushes and flosses their teeth twice a day, you still need to go and see your dentist. Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained to check for problems you may not be aware of independently. There are various oral concerns that may not even be noticeable to yourself, like cavities and gum disease. Regular dental check ups are crucial to ensure that your teeth are not vulnerable to any oral concerns.
You should definitely consider going to visit your dentist if you’re experiencing any tooth pain, discomfort or strange sensations. Here are some other instances in which you should go and see your dentist as soon as possible:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Sudden sensitivity
- Missing teeth
- Jaw pain and constant headaches
- Teeth grinding
- Snoring and gasping during sleep
If you’re experiencing one or more of these concerns, and are frantically Googling “How often should I go to the dentist?”, we strongly recommend booking in an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Preventative Dental
Preventative dental is the key to identifying protecting your teeth early on. The ADA (Australian Dental Association)recommends six-monthly dental visits. During these preventative dental visits, your dentist will perform a check-up and clean that may include x-rays (if necessary), and fluoride. During these preventative dental visits, you’ll have your teeth, gums, tongue and mouth checked for any abnormalities.
A dental check-up will provide a clean that sadly, your regular toothbrush will not be able to match. A clean performed by a dentist will remove any built-up plaque, preventing it from turning into tooth decay. If you’re wondering “how often should you go to the dentist?”, chances are, you’re due for a check-up!
Who Should Go to the Dentist More Often?
Some people need to visit the dentist more than twice a year. These are generally patients with a greater risk of poor oral health and gum disease. This higher-risk group includes:
- Those with diabetes
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Those with gum disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- Those who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up
So, How Often Should I Go to the Dentist?
How often you should go to the dentist depends on your oral hygiene, habits and individual medical conditions. Going to the dentist twice a year is a minimum for most; however, a dentist may request that you visit more regularly if you have ongoing dental concerns.
The best thing you can do to keep your dental check-up times to a minimum is to implement good oral hygiene. You can start by making sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day and clean between your teeth with floss.
Whether you’d like to learn more about when should you go to the dentist, or you’d like to book in for a check-up, get in touch with Casey Dental. We’re Townsville’s leading dentistry; providing a range of services that enhance oral health and keep your smile looking great. At Casey Dentists Townsville, we prioritise total oral health, function and aesthetics. You can book in to see one of our experts by calling (07) 4725 3324.