How Often Should I Really Go To The Dentist?

Most people know that an integral part of good oral hygiene includes regular visits to the dentist. At these appointments, your teeth are deep-cleaned and inspected to see if any additional dental work needs to be done. But not everyone knows how often dentist visits should occur. How often should you really go to the dentist? Once a year? Twice? Four times?

Here at Hillcrest Dental, we advise having your pearly whites examined at least twice a year. And a good rule is to go to the dentist’s office every six months. That way you can rest assured that any wear and tear or serious damage to your teeth or gums is caught by the professionals before it spirals out of control.

Although magical number “2” is a general recommendation for all individuals, we recommend that you visit your dentist to have him or her examine your teeth, your gums, and your oral hygiene routine. He or she will be able to find the optimal number of times you should visit your dentist annually.

Each individual is unique. Depending on your oral health, it may be wise for you to consider visiting more or less frequently than twice a year. If your teeth are prone to decay problems, it is probably in your best interest to visit the dentist more than twice a year. Especially if you smoke, chew tobacco, or use oral contraceptives, because you are at a higher risk for gum disease. But if your dentist examines your mouth and finds that your gums and teeth are healthy, you may not need to visit twice a year.

Another thing to consider is your benefits package. If you have dental insurance that covers check-ups at a certain annual frequency, it may be economical for you to extend the time between dentist visits. However, we recommend you still try to aim to see your dentist as close to every six months as possible.

As a general rule, it’s wise to go to the dentist at least once a year if possible. But it’s best to talk to your dentist directly. He or she will examine your mouth to decide how often you should really have your teeth inspected.

At Hillcrest Dental, we are committed to keeping you and your family happy and healthy with beautiful smiles. Visit our website or give us a call today at 931-552-2582 to learn more about how we can improve your oral health!