HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU VISIT YOUR DENTIST?

Whether you want to or not, visiting your dentist on a routine basis is very important. For various reasons, many people simply do not do so on a regular basis. Most of the time this has to do with ignorance; just because you brush your teeth everyday does not mean you are in the clear. Proper dental hygiene means making the trip to the dentist at least every six months. This semi-annual appointment is the best preventative measure you can take for keeping your mouth healthy. Remember, routine check-ups are not just used to clean your teeth. They will allow your dentist to inspect for cavities and other oral conditions that might be present. Gingivitis and other forms of gum disease, including oral cancer, are serious conditions that simply cannot be ignored. People that smoke or drink alcohol are put at a greater risk for developing these ailments, but so are individuals that have a genetic predisposition to them. Thus, just because you follow routine cleaning measures at home does not mean you should avoid the visiting the dentist. Be sure to choose a Phoenix dentist office that offers a complete range of services.

How often should you go?

• Twice a year is recommended for most people
• High-risk individuals will likely need to increase the frequency
• Depending on your condition, you may need to see the dentist more often
• Most dental issues do not cause pain until they have advanced to a certain stage

If you are relatively healthy and do not have a genetic history of dental problems, you will be safe in visiting the dentist twice a year. Taking the time to make these appointments can have a world of difference on your dental hygiene. Many people are simply lazy when it comes to going to the dentist, and this is a serious problem. Most check-ups do not take long at all, and they generally consist of a routine cleaning. In addition, your dentist will be better suited to give you needed advice, such as what type of toothbrush or toothpaste you should be using. People that smoke, have diabetes or have been subject to any number of gum diseases should visit the dentist on a more regular basis. This also includes women that are pregnant. For these individuals, the risk of developing oral problems is much greater. As such, they should be seen every four months. If you fall into one of these categories, it is imperative that you follow a strict schedule. Never miss an appointment and never fail to tell your Phoenix dentist if you think something is wrong. Like anything, a person’s oral hygiene can change. If you are sick or suffering from excess stress, it will help to schedule an additional check-up in between your normal routine. Lastly, one thing that everybody should keep in mind is that dental problems do not cause noticeable pain until they have developed to a dangerous stage. Preventative care is the key to staying healthy in any regard, but it is especially important in the oral arena.