Most of us understand that visiting a dentist on a regular basis is vital for maintaining a healthy mouth, but how many of us actually do so? 42% of American adults say that they do not visit the dentist as frequently as they would like, and 15% scheduled their most recent appointment because they were in pain. In order to maintain optimal oral health, it’s crucial to schedule a secure dentral checkup as your dentist recommends.
How frequently should you visit the dentist, and why is this so important? Continue reading to find out how often you should have a dental check-up and cleaning and how it can help your general health.
How Frequently Should You Visit the Dentist?
The dentistry profession in the United States recommends that both children and adults visit a dentist every six months for an oral exam and cleaning. Many dental insurance companies cover two check-ups each year, and this frequency enables dental specialists to detect any problems while they are still minor and inexpensive to repair.
In general, your dentist will advise you on how frequently you should visit for cleaning and a check-up. Most people who follow proper oral hygiene only require a six-month visit to the dentist, but there are rare exceptions. If you fall into one of the following categories, your dentist may want you to come in for a cleaning and exam more frequently:
You’re A Heart Patient
Oral health is crucial in the prevention of heart disease because bacteria in the mouth can enter the heart. People with poor oral health are more prone than those with healthy mouths to acquire cardiovascular disease. Regular dental cleanings and exams may lower your risk of developing heart disease.
You’re A Smoker
Tobacco usage can promote gum disease and make it more difficult for your body to recover after dental operations and oral surgery.
You’re Diabetic
Diabetes may worsen gum disease and other oral health issues.
You’re A Cancer Patient
Some cancer medicines might cause dry mouth and increase the risk of oral health problems.
You’re Pregnant
Because of the shifting hormones of pregnancy, expectant mothers are more likely to acquire cavities and gum disease.
What to Expect During Your Dental Checkup
A dental examination normally takes an hour or less. This session allows your dentist and dental hygienist to examine your mouth and make recommendations for any necessary treatment and at-home care. Although each dental office has its unique check-up processes, you can generally expect the following at your six-month appointment:
Gum Health Assessment
Your dentist will also examine your gums for evidence of periodontitis or gingivitis. They will search for pockets around each tooth where the gums have separated from the tooth due to germs and plaque buildup beneath the gum line.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, requires expert treatment from a periodontist. Gingivitis can be halted and reversed with adequate at-home oral care and regular dental cleanings. However, periodontitis requires special care from a periodontist.
Existing Dental Work Condition
Fillings and other dental treatments cannot last indefinitely, so a dentist examines them during an exam. If the current filling, crown, or bridge no longer keeps a tooth healthy and strong, they will propose a new one.
Cavity Detection
Your dentist will then inspect your teeth for chips, cracks, decay, or other problems that may need to be repaired. The dental hygienist helps them by charting any teeth that need to be treated.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dentist may do an oral cancer screening before checking your teeth and gums. This includes looking for symptoms of cancer on your palate, tongue, neck, inside of your cheeks, and other regions of your oral cavity. They will also examine the exterior of your throat and jaw for any irregularities.
When it comes to treating oral cancer, your dentist is usually the first line of defense because they are more likely to detect it than another clinician. This is one of the reasons why it is critical to get frequent dental check-ups. Oral cancer spreads quickly. Thus, early discovery is critical for treatment.
Polishing And Cleaning
Cleaning your teeth has various perks. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned by the hygienist using scalers and other dental tools to remove tartar and plaque from tooth surfaces and just below the gum line. They will then use a paste to polish your teeth and floss between your teeth.
When cleaning your teeth, the hygienist may point out spots that require extra care. They can also show you how to floss and brush your teeth properly.
X-rays
If you need x-rays, the dental hygienist will take them at the beginning of your appointment so the dentist can study them before examining your mouth.
Reasons Why Dental Insurance Is Essential
Dental insurance is essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. A dental plan helps ensure you get the regular cleanings and exams your mouth requires to stay in the best possible form. Here are reasons why dental insurance is essential.
Covers Emergency Expenses
Life has a habit of surprising you. That surprise can sometimes take the form of an accident. You could chip or lose a tooth while eating or playing sports. You may also experience unexpected oral symptoms such as jaw pain or recurring canker sores that cause you concern. When you can’t afford dental care, ignoring these issues is easy because treatment is out of reach. When unforeseen tooth problems arise, dental insurance offers the necessary buffer. A dental insurer can help you manage whether you need a false tooth or a cap.
Covers Your Family
It is critical to maintain your health by visiting the dentist regularly. Providing your children with the necessary dental treatment and coverage is also critical. The good news is that several different types of dental insurance policies can assist you in covering your spouse and children.
Purchasing individual insurance for each member of your family might be costly. Group plans enable you to insure several people at a lesser rate. Often, the larger your group, the more you save, which is useful when covering a large family.
Makes You Confident
Having your teeth professionally cleaned regularly will help them look better. The cleaning removes surface tartar and stains, resulting in brighter, healthier teeth. Preventive and routine procedures such as checkups and cleanings are typically covered by dental insurance.
While teeth cleanings are primarily used to remove plaque and tartar accumulation, they can also temporarily whiten teeth. Dentists can also provide brushing instructions and toothbrush and toothpaste brand recommendations to help you achieve the finest whitening outcomes while improving overall tooth health.
Bottom Line
Are you overdue for a check-up now that you know how frequently you should visit the dentist and the value of dental insurance? You should consider the best dental services and dental insurance provider.