Millions of Americans don’t visit their dentist every year, even though regularly seeing the dentist is crucial to help maintain your dental health. Even though this is well-known, Americans still put off their dentist visits and regularly receive reminders saying they’re overdue for their 6-month check-ups. At some point, you’ve probably received the same type of notification. Have you been putting off seeing your dentist as well? This might bring on an important question, “how often should I actually go see my dentist?”

We’re glad you asked. The standard two times a year recommendation came from an old ad for toothpaste, and really there’s barely any research to support that timetable. The twice-a-year suggestion is a blanket idea and isn’t really the best option for all. Let’s look at how often you should get dental checkups, why going to the dentist is essential for your oral health, and what you should do to minimize your visits.

How Often?

While visiting the dentist twice a year is a good reminder for many people, the truth is that everyone has their individual oral health needs. When deciding how often to visit your dentist, you need to consider your current oral hygiene and other medical needs. A good idea would be to make an appointment and go over a dental healthcare plan where they can map out your needs over a timetable.

Patients who only visit the dentist once or twice are year may be concerned about insurance allowances. But dentists usually have payment plans and affordable options to make sure you get the treatments you need. So, always remember to ask your dentist when you should schedule your next appointment and about your insurance allowances.

Why is Going to the Dentist Essential?

Even if you follow important dental guidelines and keep up with your oral health, you still need to visit a dentist regularly. Dentists and Oral Hygienists are trained to check for problems that may not be noticeable to you. Issues like cavities or early gum disease aren’t visible on the outside or even painful until they’re in the advanced stages. Don’t forget that dentists can also help with cosmetic fixes like teeth whitening, straightening, and replacements!

Because certain issues are probably preventable or treatable when detected early on (like oral cancer), seeing a dentist regularly definitely matters. With scheduled visits and treatment plans, your dentist can find solutions for any red flags that can save you time, hassle, and even more money in the long run.

Minimize your Visits

The best thing to do to keep from visiting the dentist too often is maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes making sure to brush your teeth twice a day and flossing between your teeth daily. And don’t forget! If your dentist can’t find any cavities or signs of poor gum health for several years, they might even lengthen the time between visits. Also, keep up with a healthy diet with limited sugars and maximized vitamins and minerals. All of this combined can help you obtain a comfortable level of dental health sustainability!

Now you know the answer to the age-old question, “how often should you visit the dentist?”. Basically, you need to visit your dentist depending on your current smile situation.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

For some, visiting the dentist may be quite often, especially if you have conditions that need special treatment. But remember, visiting the dentist is for your benefit and helps you keep up with your overall oral health. If you keep up with your daily dental hygiene, your dentist may even lessen your required dental visits. Remember to always keep up with your dentist’s advice in terms of your treatment plan and appointment schedules. Even if it’s been a while for you, it’s never too late, and always time to respond to that notification from your dentists’ office for your next 6-month dental check-in.

To help decide how often you should come in for a dental visit, contact our professional and pleasant staff here at Mountain View Dental. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 385-324-3557.