It’s a question many people ask themselves. So, how often do you need to go to the dentist – and why? The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all rule about how often you have to go to the dentist because it really depends on what your goals are and your circumstances.
If oral health is something you care about, and you would like to preserve the appearance of your smile and the strength of your teeth for as long as possible, then you will be able to maximise and maintain your oral health by visiting the dentist every six months.
As a Caringbah dentist who cares about the oral health of the community, we advocate for the six-monthly check-up rule, because we know that by visiting every six months, you can protect your oral health. For some people, such as diabetics, smokers, pregnant women, or those experiencing an oral health condition or undergoing treatment, more regular visits may be necessary.
It’s not worth risking “getting away with” fewer regular visits – but even if you have missed your appointments for years, it’s not too late to start attending your Sutherland Shire Dentist for regular check-ups. No matter the condition of your teeth and gums, there is always value in starting up with regular visits.
Below, our The Caringbah Dentists has detailed a few reasons to attend your dentist twice a year:
- A dental check-up gives your dentist a chance to detect any emerging dental problems or health issues, from tooth decay to oral cancer. By detecting these issues early, you can save yourself money in the long run, while also preserving your oral health. Here’s an example. If you treat tooth decay early with a filling, you reduce the risk of the decay becoming worse and resulting in infected dental pulp. If this occurs, a root canal procedure may be needed.
- By attending your dentist or another dentist near me regularly, you can ensure that hygiene treatments at your dentist are undertaken on time. Our dentists use special instruments and tools to remove plaque from teeth and around and underneath the gum line. This in turn reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease – which can be painful, and unsightly, and pave the way for future issues if not addressed. The smooth surface of your teeth after a clean also makes it harder for plaque to accumulate.
- A dental checkup at your Caringbah dentist is a perfect opportunity to discuss options for further treatment. We are never forceful with this, but if you do have needs that are unaddressed, we can discuss transparently priced options – such as tooth whitening or dental veneers.
- Your dentist will be able to provide advice on your oral health routine, to ensure that you are doing everything you should be at home to protect your teeth.
