How often should you see the dentist?
In the office, all dentists probably recommend twice annually. They would say that, wouldn’t they? Many people dread going to the dentist and consequently wish to do it as infrequently as possible.
Do you really need to go every six months to keep your mouth healthy? It may feel absurd—particularly when, after only a sixty-second consultation, the dentist peeks into your mouth and tells you you’re good to go.
“I took paid time off for this?” you might be thinking. And yet, it’s often because you are being so proactive about your oral hygiene that you have uneventful dentist appointments in the first place.
How often do you need to see the dentist? Let’s get into it.
Are Twice Annual Appointments Really Necessary?
Technically, you can meet the CDC oral hygiene recommendation by going only once a year. Most dentists encourage their patients to shorten the interval as a way of ensuring the teeth are being regularly cleaned by a professional. For the price of just 45 more minutes of your time every year, you can make assurance extra sure. Plus, you’ll leave with a free toothbrush.
Still, if you are very busy, concerned with the cost, or just the sort of person who gets super anxious at the thought of going to the dentist, one appointment a year should get you where you want to be. Insurance plans typically cover two preventive dental visits annually, making biannual checkups not only better for your oral health but also financially sensible for most patients.
All of that said, a surprisingly small segment of the population—around 40%–sees the dentist even once a year. Certainly, it is easy to put these visits off if you aren’t experiencing pain or discomfort. In the next few headings, we will take a look at why you should make these visits a bigger priority.
The Value of Early Detection
Like so many health problems, oral hygiene issues are best caught early. Regular dental consultations ensure that gum disease is caught early—not at the point where you are losing bone mass in your mouth. Going in for regular visits will save you a lot of pain. It will also save you a lot of money in the long run.
Getting your teeth cleaned once or twice a year is covered in standard insurance packages. Fixing dental issues is, of course, also generally covered, but with out-of-pocket costs that can still wind up setting you back hundreds of dollars.
Overall Health
Clean teeth are, interestingly enough, valuable for more than ensuring you have a socially acceptable smile. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthy body. High levels of plaque and bacteria in your mouth are associated with more instances of heart disease and even degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
While the link remains a little mysterious, research indicates that it is an inflammation issue. Oral health problems can lead to inflammation problems that impact other areas of your body. That includes your heart, your mind, and even your joint health.
It Keeps You Accountable
Do you go on a little diet a few weeks leading up to your appointment with a GP? You wouldn’t be alone in that. Most of us only see healthcare professionals one or two times a year. We want to step into their office as the picture of good health.
In the dental context, this often means giving our teeth extra attention in the weeks leading up to an appointment—if only in the hopes of avoiding bad news. Obviously, it’s better to have good oral hygiene habits year-round, but regardless if seeing that you have an appointment on the calendar inspires you to take things up a notch all the better.
Going to the Dentist Doesn’t Have to be Stressful
While fearing the dentist is common, it doesn’t need to be your experience. Part of the solution is simply finding a dentist that you are comfortable with. At Integrated Dental, we focus on providing patient-centric care that you can trust.
The other part? Do your due diligence. Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss. Keep your teeth clean. With less than ten minutes of daily effort, you can take all the stress out of your dental routine.