Do I Really Need to See a Dentist Every Six Months?

The American Dental Association recommends that everyone visit their dentist at least once a year, but you’ve probably heard your dentist recommend visits every six months. Why are these appointments important?

1. You can prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when the outer layer of your teeth becomes damaged. This happens when the sugars in the foods we eat mingle with the bacteria in our mouths – together, they work to destroy the enamel on our teeth. If decay isn’t caught at its first signs, you can experience pain and cavities, and it can even progress to damage your gums.
2. You can prevent plaque build-up. Plaque is the sticky stuff that lingers on our teeth. It’s bad for our teeth because it contains bacteria. And when plaque meets the sugars from the foods we eat. Plaque leads to tartar, which can make our teeth look discolored. It can also lead to more serious dental issues.
3. You can stop gum disease before it damages your smile. Dentists are trained to spot the early signs of gum disease and can stop it in its tracks before it worsens. Gum disease can be painful and can even lead to loss of teeth and bone tissue.
4. You can save money. It may sound crazy that visiting the dentist more often might save you money, but it’s true. Your dentist can spot issues and potential issues before they become serious, and costly. Visiting the dentist regularly can save you from needing expensive treatments later.
5. You can get the smile you’ve always wanted. Your dentist doesn’t only help you maintain your current smile, they can help you improve it, as well. With options such as whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures, you can have the big, beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Your dentist will also use your appointments to help you understand how to properly care for your smile to ensure it lasts a lifetime. Working together, you can keep tooth decay, gum disease and other issues at bay. But, if an issue arises, your dentist can create a treatment plan to meet your needs and stop the issue before it worsens.

Your oral health is intricately linked to your overall health, so maintaining a healthy smile will also help you maintain a healthy body.

Tartar and plaque form at different rates for every patient. Always follow the advice of your dental professional on how often you should see your dentist, but as a general rule, making a point to visit your dentist every six months, unless otherwise directed.