Going to the dentist is essential for preventing and detecting cavities, gum disorders and other oral problems. Few people go enough: according to the Last federal data, Only 65% of adults had a dental exam or cleaning last year.
How often do you really have to visit the dentist? This is what experts in the field of oral health say.
Why go all the way?
Research shows a strong link between oral diseases and systemic. “Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection of oral health problems before they escalate or spread to other parts of the body,” says Dr. Kemia Zeinali, founder of Dreamhouse Dental in Bell Gardens, California. “For example, untreated cavities, tooth decay and gum disorders can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.”
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Dentists also carry out oral cancer investigations for people with risk factors or symptoms, who are “crucial for catching such cancers early in their development,” says Dr. Pabha Krishnan, president of the New York State Dental Association and a present and head of periodontics in the Medical Center of Flushing Hospital. “Good oral health is the gateway for good overall health.”
How many times a year do you have to go to the dentist?
Previously, the American Dental Association (ADA) advised people to visit their dentist every six months. But the Ada now recommends That the correct cadence for checks and professional cleaning must be adjusted to the oral health needs of each individual, determined by the age, health status and the oral health problems of the patient.
“Although some people may need checks every six months, others with higher risk factors for dental diseases may need visits more often,” says Dr. Natasha M. Flake, president of the American Association of Endodontists. Experts agree that most adults benefit from seeing a dentist who sees a dentist at least twice a year for preventive care and early detection of problems such as cavities and gum disorders.
“The best way to determine how often you have to go to the dentist is to actually go to the dentist,” says Flake. Your dentist can then make a personalized recommendation for you, based on your own oral health and risk factors.
Who needs visits more often?
Older adults probably benefit from it usually to the dentist. This is because the risk of gum disease usually increases with age. “Various factors contribute to this, including changes in oral health, a decrease in saliva production and the potential for chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, which can also influence the health of the gums,” says Zeinali.
Many older adults have dental restorations or prostheses, which are more difficult to clean and maintain; Less thorough cleaning increases the risk of gum disorders. “Regular visits enable your dentist to check the condition of your gums, offer professional cleaning and recommend appropriate treatments,” he says. For that reason, if you have a history of gum disorders or considerable dental work, your dentist can suggest every three to six months, instead of the typical interval of six months, Zeinali says.
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Other more vulnerable groups are people with a history of obesity, excessive drinking and smoking – or those who have not gone to the dentist for a long time. “For those who have neglected oral care for many years, two visits a year are probably not enough,” she adds. “They need more frequent professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist, as well as possible periodontal surgery or lasering.”
And people with periodontal (gum) disease usually have to go to the dentist more than twice a year. “A dentist or periodontist can make a recommendation based on the severity of gum disorders and how well it is checked,” says Flake.
Do people with dentures have to go to the dentist?
A common misconception is that people with complete dentures do not have to go to the dentist, says Flake. Even if you do not have natural teeth, it is still important to regularly visit a dentist for examination of the soft tissues (gums) and temporomandibular joint, and to evaluate dentures.
“Prevention is the key to dentistry,” says Flake. “It is much better to prevent a dental problem than to deal with it as soon as it occurs.”
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