Maintaining a brilliant smile while keeping up with good oral hygiene is a great way to kick off the new year. If you’re wondering how often you should be seeing your dentist to keep you and your pearly whites healthy, you may find it surprising that there is not a set standard for how many times a person should visit the dentist. Most people find that twice a year seems appropriate, while others wait longer than two years in between their regular check-ups. However, there are certain health factors that should be taken into consideration for each individual to determine whether or not twice a year or every two years is often enough.
Are you one of the many Americans that are considered high risk for dental diseases? If so, then you may need to see your dentist at least every three to four months, if not more frequently. You may be at high risk if you are a smoker, as smoking increases the likelihood of bad breath, yellow teeth, gum disease, and increased plaque or tartar build-up. Being a smoker can also delay the healing process of dental procedures and increase your risk of developing oral cancer. You may also be considered high risk if you are diabetic, have a weak response to bacterial infection, or are currently suffering from gum disease. If you think you may be considered high risk for dental diseases, consult with your dentist to determine what steps are appropriate for you to maintain good oral hygiene and overall health.
Believe it or not, those who are experiencing high times of stress or illness should also visit the dentist more frequently. People who are stressed out may be prone to grinding their teeth, which is an issue that can be addressed and resolved with a trip to your dentist. Resolving an issue like this early on can prevent expensive procedures later on down the road. Interestingly enough, if you are under an uncomfortable amount of stress you may be experiencing mood swings that can affect your brushing and flossing habits. Unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on sweets during high stress is also common and can reflect poorly on your dental hygiene. Its always a good idea to frequent your dentist during times like these, as well as to exercise to help relieve stress and encourage you to eat healthier.
Properly caring for your teeth can help you lengthen the time in between your regular visits. Your dentist can show you how to brush properly, with techniques such as using small circular patterns while brushing as a preventative measure to fight off cavities. It is also good practice to use fluoride toothpaste and to replace your toothbrush every three months. Cutting down on sugary foods and drinks is a great way to keep your teeth happy and healthy. If you can’t seem to turn away sweets, you can help preserve the enamel of your teeth by having sweets during mealtimes instead of snacking on them at random parts of the day.
Consulting with your dentist is the best way to help you determine how frequently you should make your dental visits to help keep your smile glistening bright. Visiting your dentist more frequently is great for preventing existing conditions from worsening, as well as to catch and treat dental health issues early on. Contact us today to meet with your dentist to determine what schedule is best for you for your routine dental visits.