Everyone wants to have a healthy smile, and it’s not only to prevent bad breath. Good oral health means no tooth decay and painful cavity extractions, no bleeding gums, and fewer visits to the Montgomery dentist—that's right, if your mouth’s state is top-notch, you’ll save yourself the trouble of lengthy dental treatments, saving you costs and time.
Still, to ensure good oral health, you do need to conduct dental check-ups. During dental exams, we can assess the state of your smile, identify potential issues early on, and give oral hygiene advice. However, how often should you see the dentist?
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
Truthfully, there’s no widespread consensus about the frequency of dental visits. The most recommended is twice a year; however, this bi-annual figure has been a subject of debate these past few years, as there’s no proof or studies backing it up.
In 2003, scientists examined the research that had then been done so far, obtaining mixed results. Some found that people who visited the dentist frequently had fewer fillings than people who didn't, whereas other studies found no difference in the number of decaying teeth, fillings, or missing teeth between the two groups.
It does make sense that, by visiting the dentist more regularly, you are less likely to develop cavities. When we examine your teeth, we’ll assess the state of your mouth and provide you with detailed information on how to improve your oral hygiene practices.
Why Do I Need Dental Checkups?
Everyone should get regular dental examinations.
A professional dentist can identify any dental disorders and other oral health concerns that you may not have been aware of, like cavities or gum disease. In these cases, prompt treatment is key to preventing further damage, so seeing the dentist on a regular basis can be very beneficial.
Some Special Cases
It goes without saying that people who have several dental issues must see a dentist frequently. For example, getting a dental crown involves several visits, and we may ask you to come more frequently afterward to see how your bite is adjusting to your new teeth.
Even those with no dental problems may have to come with increased frequency sometimes. When children grow their first permanent teeth between the ages of six and eight, they require frequent routine examinations as their teeth are more susceptible to decay shortly after they erupt.
Once their enamel gets strong enough to fight tooth decay on its own, visits may reduce. Teenagers, too, are at risk of malocclusion due to a sudden wisdom teeth eruption. So we may ask you to come back a bit more often.
As you can see, circumstances will change over the course of your life.
Is it Time to See a Montgomery Dentist?
So, how often should you visit Montgomery Smiles? Well, it depends. If you’re in doubt, the most widespread advice is to do biannual check-ups. Nevertheless, your unique mouth, hygiene, habits, and overall well-being all play a big role in your needed frequency.
Because of that, only a dentist can answer that question after assessing the state of your smile. If you’d like an accurate estimate from us, schedule an appointment!