No matter how you feel about your oral health, it's important to visit a dentist regularly. Generally, it is recommended to go to the dentist at least once a year for an oral health checkup. However, those who are at low risk of dental diseases can extend this interval up to 18 to 24 months. When deciding how often you should go to the dentist, you should consider your unique mouth, hygiene habits, and overall well-being.
Studies have shown that people without any dental problems can go once a year, while those with dental issues should be checked every 3 to 4 months. Moles et al in 1999 performed a computer simulation to identify optimal recall intervals and concluded that patients would benefit most if dentists attended at intervals ranging from 13 to 120 months. However, due to two factors - some dentists are better than others at recognizing the presence of early disease and rates of disease progression vary greatly between individuals - a more definitive answer could not be obtained. Regular dental visits are important for more than just your teeth.
Signs of several conditions, such as diabetes and anemia, sometimes appear in your mouth. If your dentist notices something wrong during a visit, they may refer you to a specialist for review. If your child is at high risk for tooth decay or other oral health problems, your dentist will likely recommend more frequent dental checkups. If you're afraid of needles, look for a dentist who specializes in relieving patient anxiety.
Your pediatric dentist can advise you on the cleaning and consultation program that is best for your child. If you're more likely to develop cavities, consider talking to your dentist about sealants and fluoride or antibacterial treatments. Periodontitis prevention includes general oral hygiene and regular dental visits for professional cleanings. Take the time to find a dentist that you are comfortable with and who will work with you to address any problems you may have. Going to the dentist can be intimidating, but skipping appointments only means that you are at risk of developing very serious dental problems in the future. These routine visits allow the dentist to find any dental and other oral health problems that you may not have noticed.
In most cases, a regular checkup would have allowed your dentist to detect the problem and steps could have been taken to limit the damage. Visiting the dentist regularly is absolutely necessary for good oral health. These first appointments focus more on helping your child feel comfortable with the dentist's office rather than taking care of his teeth.
