We all know how important it is to schedule regular dental visits, but how often is “regular”? Every month? Year? Two years? The general consensus is that the average person should visit the dentist every six months.
Regular Dental Appointments
Why is it important to visit the dentist regularly? Dental visits are extremely important in detecting and preventing cavities, oral cancer, and lung disease. Most dental issues can also become very painful and invasive the longer they persist. Therefore, without regular checkups, these issues cannot be detected before they cause bigger issues. This can also save you lots of time and money on bills and appointments.
Kids
The general consensus is that babies should visit the dentist for the first time when their first tooth comes in or when they have their first birthday, whichever comes first to be on the safe side. From there, your local family dentist can determine how often your child should visit the dentist in order to prevent cavities and other issues.
Adults
In general, adults should visit the dentist every six months unless otherwise directed. This frequency may change depending on dental and overall health conditions. A consultation with your local dentist can give you a definite answer. Many other factors can also affect this frequency, such as health insurance, pregnancy, or smoking habits. Additionally, if you have cancer, heart disease, or if you are HIV positive you should be getting checkups more often. Contact your dentist if you have any concerns relating to these conditions.
Signs You Should Schedule an Appointment
Although your regular visits should cover most of the bases, it is important to call the dentist and schedule an appointment if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Consistent tooth or gum pain
- Red or swollen gums
- Mouth sores that do not heal
- Changes in teeth sensitivity to temperature or pressure
- Lost filling
- Regular dry mouth
- Jaw pain or abnormalities
- Any other concerns or pain relating to the teeth, gums, or jaw
These symptoms may have greater consequences if not dealt with. An untreated tooth, gum, or jaw issue could lead to substantial medical bills, extensive surgeries, or a lot of future dentist visits.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment, contact Tree City Family Dental today!