Going to the dentist isn't always the most enjoyable experience, but making regular visits can help prevent minor issues from turning into major, expensive problems down the road. Maintaining good oral health through brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly is essential not just for your teeth and gums, but for your overall health and well-being. Let's take a look at how often you should visit a dentist.

What Does Your Dentist Recommend?

Your dentist is the expert when it comes to your oral care, so their recommendation on checkup frequency should carry a lot of weight. Most dentists suggest a checkup and cleaning every six months. Some may even recommend a visit every two to four months if you have a history of oral health issues, like cavities or gum disease. According to Colgate, people with high-risk factors, such as diabetics or smokers, should visit the dentist more than twice a year. At your appointments, your dentist will do a comprehensive exam looking for early signs of decay and other problems. If anything suspicious comes up, they can monitor it or develop an early treatment plan.

What If You Haven't Been in a While?

Many people only go to the dentist when something hurts or feels off. If it's been more than a year or two since your last visit, don't be afraid to make an appointment even if your mouth feels perfectly fine. There may be issues brewing under the surface that you aren't aware of yet. Setting up a visit allows your dentist to do a thorough inspection and spot potential problems before you even feel them. Things like small cavities, gum inflammation, and more can often be treated more simply if detected early. An updated X-ray at longer intervals can also help screen for issues with roots, bone density, and other things that usually can't be seen at surface level.

What If You Have Excellent Oral Health?

If you have diligently been going to your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups and your mouth is in excellent health, you may wonder if you still need to go in that often. In most cases, visiting your dentist every six months is still smart even if things look flawless from your perspective. It's best to keep following their recommended timeline unless advised otherwise.

Making and keeping regular dentist appointments protects your oral and overall health. Connect with your dentist to discuss the right checkup schedule for you. Consistent visits allow for early detection and prevention of many common dental issues. Call Zegeer Dental today if you need to make a dentist appointment.