Generally speaking, you should plan to see your dentist at least twice a year for an exam and professional cleaning.
Depending on your personal oral health routine and any pre-existing conditions, your dentist may schedule more or less visits. Those with a good oral health history may be fine seeing the dentist once a year. If you have a higher risk of developing dental disease, you might need visits every three or four months, possibly more.
Your risk of developing dental problems increases significantly if you:
- smoke or use tobacco
- are pregnant
- suffer from diabetes
- have a poor diet
- have a history of gum disease
- have a weak immune system
- have a poor oral health routine
You cannot control some of the aforementioned conditions, but you can make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Avoiding tobacco and improving your diet will also help dramatically.
Yes. Your dentist will see things in an exam that you’re not aware of. For example, serious problems like oral cancer and cavities aren’t typically visible to the untrained eye, nor do they cause pain, until the condition has advanced. At that point, treatment becomes more difficult and expensive.
When you see your dentist regularly, he can identify these problems while they are more manageable.
Not necessarily. It’s possible that a dental hygienist will perform your dental cleaning. He or she can inform the dentist if anything looks unusual. However, your dentist will plan on examining you thoroughly at least once a year, even if you’re in good oral health.
Of course, often you’ll receive more exams throughout the year, such as if your dentist is planning any type of treatment or procedure, or if you have other problems affecting your health.