Everyone is aware that if you would like to maintain your oral health that you need to make an appointment with your dentist. However, what most people don’t know is just how often they need to see their dental practitioner. This is because there are often so many contradicting statements out there!
The truth is that there is no definite answer to how often you should see your dentist. It all depends on you, your oral health, and whether you or not you have been diagnosed with any risk factors. Of course, this isn’t a satisfactory explanation at all.
If you want a more clear-cut answer, then consider the following situations. This will help you to narrow down just when it is that you should be booking your next appointment.
The “Rule of Thumb”
For many years, there has been an assumption that you should meet with your dentist twice a year — that is every six months. Interestingly enough, this “rule” wasn’t started by dental experts at all. In fact, it was the result of an ad campaign launched by the toothpaste brand Pepsodent.
This twice a year cleaning claim was quickly picked up by insurance companies who created plans for based on this logic. Ever since then, this slogan has stuck and most people imagine this is how often you need to visit.
So, is there any truth to this statement at all? Well, it certainly might be right for some people but this is a bit of a blanket statement. In the end, it is only your dentist that will be able to tell you for sure how many appointments you need to make in a year.
How Often You Should Get Your Teeth Cleaned
Now, having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist is one of the most basic dental procedures. Despite this, you may be confused about how many times a year this practice needs to take place. Well, in this instance, it can largely depend on your oral hygiene.
Are you someone who makes the effort to floss every day? Then, do you spend an appropriate amount of time cleaning every surface of each tooth? In addition, do you limit your consumption of sugary drinks and foods?
If this sounds like you, then your teeth may already be healthy. As such, it is unlikely that plaque or tartar will begin to build up on your teeth all that quickly. So, in this case, the twice a year rule — or even less — may apply to you.
Nonetheless, it is only once that you visit your dentist that you will be able to get a clear idea of how often you should have your teeth cleaned. He or she will look at your current oral health status, lifestyle, risk factors, and more. They will then be able to provide you with a more accurate timeline.
Dental Care for Implants
If you have gotten dental implants Turkey, then you are aware that this is a slightly more invasive procedure. Due to this, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits until you are all healed up. Once your oral healthcare practitioner is sure that there are no complications, you will not have to see them as often.
Still, they will recommend you make an appointment twice a year, at least every six months. This way, they can make sure that that you are taking care of the implant well and that the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy as well.
Being Diagnosed with Gum Disease
If you have been diagnosed with any form of gum disease, then this can be a rather serious issue. If left unchecked, this disease can do quite a bit of damage. This includes receding gums, lost teeth, and even damage to the jaw bone beneath.
It should also be noted that there really isn’t a cure when it comes to this condition. Instead, your dentist will prescribe various treatments to keep the problems in check and to prevent them from becoming worse.
As a result, your dentist may recommend that you come in several times during the year. While this may not be for any treatment, these regular checkups can ensure that your teeth and gums continue to be healthy.
Sudden Dental Issues
It should be noted that the guidelines here are largely for checkups and when your oral health condition is somewhat stable. If you notice any changes to your teeth, gums, or mouth, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Warning signs to be aware of can be tooth pain, sensitive teeth, cavities, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and more. The sooner that you visit your dental practitioner, the sooner that he or she will be able to solve the issue for you. What’s more, they can prevent the situation from becoming worse as well.
The information here should give you a clearer idea of how often you need to visit your dentist. This way, you will be able to make your appointments at the right time and save yourself quite a bit of hassle.
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