How Often Should I See the Dentist?  

Knowing how often to see the dentist can help you take care of your teeth. If you don’t go often enough, you could end up with dental caries, plaque, gum disease and more. In this article, we’ll talk about the frequency with which you should see the dentist, so you can have the information you need to take care of your teeth and gums.

Most People See the Dentist Every 6 Months

How often you should see the dentist depends on how healthy your teeth and gums are. The frequency of visits should be set by your dentist. According to the American Dental Association, over 50% of the population sees the dentist every 6 months. About 15% of the population sees the dentist once per year, and an even smaller percentage of the population visits the dentist every two to three years.

Your Dentist Will Tell You When to Return

When you go in for a dental cleaning, your dentist will tell you when you should come back. Your dentist may send a reminder to you – either as a postcard or as an email – around the time of your next visit. If you’re visiting a new dentist, find out if your dentist will send such a postcard. If not, you’ll need to have a reminder set up in your phone or on your calendar to ensure that you remember to make that appointment.

Signs It’s Time to See the Dentist

If you’re having any of the following symptoms, you should see the dentist even if you don’t have a regularly scheduled appointment coming up:

• Inflamed or swollen gums. This is a classic sign of gum disease. Catch gum disease early to prevent it from progressing.
• Tooth pain. Tooth pain could be a sign of a cavity or a more serious problem. Don’t live with tooth pain, see your dentist.
• Extra sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. This could be a sign that your teeth are going through changes – let your dentist know.
• Injury to the mouth. Did you crack or lose a tooth? See a dentist right away.

Contact Southern Oaks Dental Care

Are you seeing signs it’s time to see the dentist? Contact Southern Oaks Dental Care today to make an appointment.