Not everyone goes to the dentist as often as they should. While you may not know how often you should visit the dentist, you can generally know if it’s been too long since you’ve seen one. It’s estimated that 12% of all adults aged 20 to 64 haven’t been to see the dentist within the past five years. While some people don’t visit the dentist often due to fear, others have issues with the inconvenience of the process. Some simply don’t wish to spend the money on going to the dentist.
With that being said, how often should you be visiting the dentist? And what will a typical dentist’s appointment entail?
How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?
Generally, it’s recommended that both adults and children visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and oral exam. Certainly, you should not visit the dentist any less than once a year if you are unable to make an appointment every six months.
As for when you should begin seeing the dentist, that process is supposed to start in infancy. Your children should begin seeing the dentist once their first tooth comes in. If they have not had a tooth erupt soon after their first birthday, take them to the dentist to make sure that nothing is impeding the process. This will not only ensure that their teeth are cleaned, but that they get used to the process from a young age.
What Does A Dental Appointment Entail?
A typical dental appointment will consist of a cleaning and an oral exam. A dental cleaning will involve the hygienist using scalers and various brushes to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your teeth will then be polished with paste and flossed.
Your dentist will then perform x-rays, oral cancer screenings, and an examination of your teeth to check for cavities, cracks, and abscesses. They will also check up on existing dental work.
Dental neglect can have long-term health consequences; and not just to your teeth. Your teeth can become infected and abscessed in some cases, which can cause an infection to travel through your bloodstream. Additionally, these issues can be much more expensive to manage than a simple dentist’s appointment.
While a dental checkup may seem tedious, it is vital to ensure the health of your teeth and body.