Starting A New Habit: How Often Should You Go to the Dentist this Year?

The New Year is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to right our wrongs when it comes to our oral health. Majority of Americans think that oral health is very important, as attested by the number of people who went to their dentist in the previous years.

According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 64% of the adult population (from the ages of 18 to 64) had a dental visit in 2015. Among seniors (from the age of 65 and above), 62.7% went to the dentist in 2015. Meanwhile, 84.7% of children (from the ages of 2 to 17) had dental visits in the same year.

These figures can attest to the fact that many families consider their children’s dental health to be of utmost importance. This can be attributed to commercials and advertisement that highlight oral hygiene, along with the positive influences of other people’s dental habits.

This also brings into question the importance of visiting the dentist. While many children may be scared of their first encounter with a dental chair, the experience does gradually become easier over time. Visiting the dentist regularly can bolster a person’s oral health, particularly for the following reasons:

• Regular visits can help your doctor see if there are any evident changes in your oral health. This is instrumental in the diagnosis of mouth-related cancers and similar diseases.
• Regular visits can reduce plaque and tartar buildup in your mouth, ensuring that your teeth and gums are healthy.
• Regular visits can reduce bad breath and other unfavorable symptoms of having an unhealthy mouth.

Given all the benefits that come with going to your local teeth expert, it raises the question, how often should you go to the dentist? The answer lies in your oral health and your susceptibility to plaque buildup or having a weak immune system. However, the general rule of thumb for most people is to visit their dental practitioner at least twice a year.

Bi-annual appointments are ideal because the visits are spaced equally within the year. This means that the plaque and bacteria buildup is removed on a regular basis, while your tongue and cheeks are examined for infections. These procedures ensure that your mouth is healthy and at a point of optimum cleanliness.

For some people, two visits per year can be too much. However, some people need more than two. These people are those who may be suffering from conditions that can compromise their oral health. Diabetics, pregnant women, and those who have a weak immune response to bacterial infections are advised to visit the dentist on a more regular or quarterly basis. Other people who go for more dental visits are those who tend to get cavities or have ongoing gum diseases.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in over a year, you are long overdue for a checkup! Call Kyrene Family Dentistry today at 480-705-900 to schedule a consultation, as well as figure out the right number of visits you need per annum.