It’s a question we get a lot: “How often do I really need to go to the dentist?” Although every patient is different, our general answer is simple: You should see the dentist every six months.
Of course, there are exceptions, and you should always listen to your dentist if they decide you should visit more or less frequently. But in general, a six-month check-up and teeth cleaning are a great way to protect your smile and promote your oral health.
What is it about seeing the dentist twice a year that’s so special? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of dental appointments every six months.
1. Cleaner, Healthier Smile
The main point of a six-month appointment is to get your teeth cleaned. Teeth cleanings are a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine, just like brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Over time, a sticky film known as builds up on your teeth. Bacteria will consume plaque and produce tooth-damaging acids if the plaque isn’t removed on a regular basis.
Brushing and flossing will remove most plaque, but often not all of it. Plaque that’s left on your teeth will eventually build into a harder substance known as . Tartar inflames and irritates your gums and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
You can’t completely remove tartar with just brushing and flossing alone. That’s why six-month teeth cleanings are so important. Our dentists will use professional dental tools and skills to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, protecting your smile.
2. Preventive Approach
Six-month teeth cleanings are a great opportunity for regular oral examinations. By having our dentists examine your teeth and gums at least twice a year, we can hopefully catch issues early and prevent more serious dental emergencies.
Oral examinations offer our dentists an opportunity to look for new dental issues or keep an eye on existing ones. Depending on your situation and existing records, we may need to take new dental X-rays.
In addition to protecting your oral health, preventive dentistry also protects your wallet. By catching dental problems early on, we can implement simpler procedures to solve the problem. Waiting too long to treat a cavity, for example, can be the difference between getting a simple tooth filling and undergoing a major root canal.
3. Professional Opinion
Are you curious about other ways to protect, restore, or improve your smile? Having a regular six-month appointment with our dentists is a great way to get a professional opinion on any dental procedures you may be contemplating.
For example, you may be interested in straightening your teeth, but you’re worried you would feel self-conscious with metal braces. At your next appointment, you can ask our dentists if you might be a good candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners so you can straighten your smile discreetly.
Speaking with your dentist honestly is a great way to make sure you’re making the best decisions for your oral health. For example, don’t be afraid of being reprimanded for not brushing as long as you should or for grinding your teeth at night. Our dentists want to know what questions you have or struggles you’re dealing with so they can recommend the best solutions for your specific case. We can recommend different electric toothbrushes with built-in timers, for example, or fit you for a night guard so you can sleep more soundly at night.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
Our Wyoming, MI, preventive dentists can help you protect your smile and your oral health with regular six-month appointments. To schedule your next cleaning, call Family Dentistry today at (616) 534-5602, or contact us online.