How Often Should I Visit My Dentist? The Total Guide in 2022

If you are wondering, “how often should I visit my dentist?” then you are already on the right path. Different patients have different dental needs, and there isn’t one answer that works for everyone. In general, it is recommended that patients visit the dentist at least every six months. But patients at high risk for developing gum disease or who have pre-existing dental conditions may need to visit the dentist more frequently.

Learn everything you need to know about how often you should visit the dentist. See whether you are showing adequate attention to your dental health and what you can do to minimize the risk of complications as you age. And discover the connections between gum disease and dental care for patients over 35 years of age.

How often should I visit my dentist? – It Depends…

Hopefully, if you ask, “how often should I visit my dentist?” you are already going in for your six-month checkups. The baseline recommendation by most dentists is to visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and standard cleaning. So, make two yearly visits your goal if you currently attend one or fewer.

The most significant dental advocacy for patients over 35 is preventing gum disease. If you have or are at high risk for developing gum disease, you should visit your dentist more frequently. But two visits a year may not be enough for some patients.

For Dental Patients at Risk of Gum Disease

If you are over the age of 35, your body chemistry changes in a way that increases your risk of gum disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47% of adults in the United States experience periodontal disease during their lifetime.

When active periodontal disease is diagnosed in a patient, we do a deep cleaning to remove the calculus and bacteria that are causing the problem. Following these cleanings, the patient will be on a periodontal maintenance program at an interval of typically 3 or 4 months as decided by your dental team. Regular periodontal maintenance from your dental team can prevent and stop the progression of periodontal disease.

In extreme cases, your dental team may refer you to a Periodontist to help manage severe periodontal disease

If the pockets under your gums are particularly deep, your dentist or periodontist may use a local antibiotic treatment called Arestin. Arestin minimizes the risk of developing an infection following your SRP procedure. Your dentist administers the antibiotic through a syringe directly to the affected areas in your mouth.

Are you visiting your dentist often enough?

The frequency with which you should visit the dentist depends on your oral hygiene, age, and overall health goals. If you have a predisposition for periodontal disease, you should see most likely be seeing your dental team every three to four months. For patients under 35 with no other health conditions, you should visit the dentist at least every six months.

Your oral health reflects your overall health and vice-versa. By staying current with your dental visits, you can prevent the damaging effects of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other dental problems. Call Red Oak Dentistry to schedule a consultation and see how often you should be visiting the dentist.

Red Oak Dentistry