How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

It is a common misconception that you only need to visit the dentist twice a year. In fact, how often you should visit the dentist depends on many factors, such as your oral hygiene habits, age, and overall health. Dentists at Gorgeous Smiles recommend that patients come in for a checkup and cleaning every six months.

However, if you have certain risk factors, such as gum disease¹, you may need to come in more often. This blog post will discuss how often you should go to the dentist and what to expect at each appointment.

So, How Often Should You See a Dentist?

Visiting your dentist should be done every six months, or at least twice a year. This allows your dentist to catch any small problems early on before they turn into bigger ones.

At each appointment, your dentist will:

Examine Your Teeth and Gums for Signs of Decay or Disease

Decay and disease can sneak up on you, which is why it’s important to have regular dental checkups. Your dentist will look for any signs of decay, such as cavities, and will also check for gum disease.

Clean Your Teeth

Your hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth. This helps prevent decay and gum disease.

Take X-Rays

X-rays help your dentist spot any problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as decay between your teeth. These X-rays ²are usually taken once a year.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your smile stays healthy and sparkling for years to come!

What Are the Services That Dentists Do for Their Patients?

Dentists offer a wide range of services to their patients. These services include:

Examinations and Cleanings

As mentioned, examinations and cleanings are important for catching any problems early on. Therefore, this must be done every six months.

Fillings

If you have a cavity, your dentist will likely recommend a filling. This is a common procedure that helps to restore your tooth and prevent further decay. Fillings are made of a variety of materials, such as gold, silver, or porcelain³.

Crowns

A crown is used to cover a tooth that is damaged or decayed. Crowns can also be used to support a tooth with a large filling. Crowns are more durable than fillings and can last for many years.

Bridges

If you have a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend a bridge. A bridge is made up of two crowns with a false tooth in the middle. The crowns are placed on the teeth next to the empty space and are used to support the false tooth.

Dentures

Dentures ⁴are false teeth that are used to replace missing teeth. They can be either partial or full dentures. Partial dentures are used to replace a few missing teeth, while full dentures are used to replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaw.

Implants

An implant is a metal post that is placed in the jawbone to support a false tooth. Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are used to repair a tooth that is damaged or decayed. An inlay is made of gold, silver, or porcelain and is placed inside the tooth. An onlay is similar to an inlay, but it covers a larger area of the tooth.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment⁵ that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. It is an alternative to traditional braces. More people are choosing Invisalign because it is less visible than braces and can be removed for eating and cleaning.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front of the teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of the teeth and make them look whiter and brighter.

What to Expect at Your Next Dentist Appointment

Now that you know how often you should go to the dentist, you may be wondering what to expect at your next appointment. Below is a list of what you can expect:

1. You will be asked to update your medical history. This includes any changes in your health, medications, and allergies⁶.
2. You will have a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This may include X-rays if necessary.
3. A hygienist will clean your teeth. This helps to remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth.
4. You will be given a list of recommended treatment options. This may include a cleaning, filling, crown, or other procedure.
5. You will be given a date for your next appointment. This is usually six months from your current appointment.

Bottom Line

Visiting the dentist is something that you should do every six months. This is because plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth over time, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. However, if you have a history of dental problems, you may need to go more often. Be sure to talk to your dentist about how often you should schedule an appointment.

1. Byrd, Kevin M., and Ajay S. Gulati. “The “gum–gut” axis in inflammatory bowel diseases: A hypothesis-driven review of associations and advances.” Frontiers in immunology 12 (2021): 620124. ↩︎
2. Panwar, Harsh, et al. “Application of deep learning for fast detection of COVID-19 in X-Rays using nCOVnet.” Chaos, Solitons & Fractals 138 (2020): 109944. ↩︎
3. Alenezi, Ali, et al. “Long-term survival and complication rates of porcelain laminate veneers in clinical studies: a systematic review.” Journal of clinical medicine 10.5 (2021): 1074. ↩︎
4. Wang, Can, et al. “Accuracy of digital complete dentures: A systematic review of in vitro studies.” The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 125.2 (2021): 249-256. ↩︎
5. Robertson, Lindsay, et al. “Effectiveness of clear aligner therapy for orthodontic treatment: A systematic review.” Orthodontics & craniofacial research 23.2 (2020): 133-142. ↩︎
6. Giannetti, Arianna, et al. “Cow’s milk protein allergy as a model of food allergies.” Nutrients 13.5 (2021): 1525. ↩︎

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Suchi