Many people wonder why you need a regular dental exam every six months. If you had a clean bill of health at your last dental visit, why do you need another exam? It is a question many patients ask, and for good reason! A yearly exam, or every six months, ensures any potential issues are detected early and, if necessary, can be corrected and treated without hassle or higher expense. Here, we discuss the importance of regular check-ups so you know when to visit the dentist.
Many people visit their dentist only when they experience a dental problem or discomfort, leading to more uncomfortable treatment and expensive bills. Suppose you remember that our oral cavities are the gateway to the rest of our overall health. In that case, it may remind you that taking care of our teeth and gums helps prevent or identify medical problems like cardiovascular issues, diabetes, chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and more. Going to the dentist for a routine check-up twice a year allows the dentist to ensure there aren’t any signs of medical problems that may be otherwise undetected.
Prevention of Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
One of the main reasons you need to visit your dentist for routine exams is to help prevent gum disease and tooth decay in its earliest stages. Your dentist is highly trained to identify early signs of dental problems like incipient cavities and gum disease that are reversible with care. Oral health conditions that may not be evident to you can cause problems like bites or airway issues, leading to chronic sleep problems like sleep apnea. Catching these issues early helps make treatment less invasive, expensive, and more manageable in the long run.
Oral Cancer Screening
You may not realize it, but your dentist is trained to look for early signs of oral cancer that could be life-threatening. Routine dental visits include a head and neck screening that identifies warning signs like lumps, unhealing sores, or changes in pigmentation. Early detection will significantly improve your outcome in successful treatment.
Developing a strong relationship with your dentist
When you visit your dentist for healthy routine visits, you develop trust and support for your dentist and dental team. The visits become more comfortable and less stressful, leading to happier patients and better communication between you and your dentist. People who visit the dentist regularly and have a solid “dental home” tend to have better outcomes with their oral health because they don’t wait until there is pain or an emergency to get treated.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist?
- Routine dental visits: You should visit your dentist at least once a year, but it is highly recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to go for a professional exam and cleaning every six months.
- Trauma: If you experience trauma from an injury, visit your dentist as soon as possible. If you can’t contact your dentist immediately, you may want to see an emergency dentist or the nearest hospital.
- Tooth pain: If you have pain when chewing or sensitivity to food temperature changes, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to detect any infections or tooth decay that may require emergency treatment.
- Swollen gums: Bleeding, red, or swollen gums may indicate an infection or gum disease. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to see if you require periodontal treatment to prevent gum tissue loss and tooth loss.
- Bite Problems: If you have trouble chewing or aligning your teeth, you may need a night guard or orthodontics. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss your condition and treatment options.
Most people require routine dental visits once or twice a year, but certain conditions may require more frequent dental visits. These include:
- Diabetic patients: Diabetic patients are more susceptible to infection and may require more frequent dental visits to monitor conditions and prevent long-term health problems. If you have diabetes and are prone to gum disease or tooth decay, it is to your advantage to have more frequent exams and cleanings to control any complications that may arise.
- Patients with gum disease: Gum disease patients need to visit the dentist more frequently to control the progression of bone and tissue loss. Typically, they must visit the dentist every 3-4 months to maintain the condition and prevent it from progressing.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy hormones can cause hormonal differences, which leads to “pregnancy gingivitis” or gum changes like bleeding and swelling. Oftentimes, pregnant women will go in for more frequent monitoring and cleanings.
Going To The Dentist For Preventative Care
While the general recommendation is to go twice a year for a check-up and cleaning, many other preventative treatments are offered at these visits to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Treatments like X-rays, sealants, and fluoride are important preventative treatments for more invasive dental conditions. Oral health care instruction, discussing diet, and different oral health tools that may help you with your oral care regimen are great ways to keep you up-to-date on the best ways to keep your mouth in top shape. Contact Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West today to get started on a healthier mouth.