How Often Do I Need a Dental Exam and Cleaning?

The idea of going to the dentist rarely elicits the same enthusiastic response as going out to your favorite restaurant or catching the premiere of a new blockbuster movie. In fact, going to the dentist often gets a bad rap—so much so that many will put off dental visits unless they absolutely have to.

But does it really matter how often your smile receives a dental exam and cleaning? And what are the benefits of doing so on a regular basis?

How Often Should I Go?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist for a dental exam and cleaning about every six months. This dental scheduling works well for the majority of people. However, the ADA states that the frequency of your own personal dental visits should be tailored by your dentist to accommodate your current oral health status and health history.

In other words, if your smile is classified as low risk, it may mean you’re able to get away with only one cleaning and check-up a year. Whereas, if your smile is identified as a high risk for dental disease, you may need to visit the dentist every three or four months. Your smile may fit into that high-risk category if you:

• Are a diabetic
• Currently have gum disease.
• Smoke.
• Have a weak immune response to bacterial infections.
• Tend to build up plaque on your teeth and get cavities.

Why Should I Visit the Dentist Regularly?

Patients are repeatedly reminded about the importance of seeing the dentist regularly, yet statistics reveal that only about half of Americans visited their dentists at least twice in the last year. If you’re among the group that’s been putting off your next six-month visit, consider some of the valuable benefits a dental exam and cleaning can bring:

• Detect any dental problems early, and have them treated before they progress further.
• Maintain good physical health.
• Prevent oral cancer.
• Keep teeth whiter and brighter by keeping stains at bay.
• Maintain good oral health by preventing gum disease, decay, and tooth loss.
• Create and adjust your treatment plan as required.
• Prevent bad breath.
• Make good use of your dental insurance plan.

Share this information with friends and family who are prone to postponing their dental visits. With a healthy set of teeth and gums, you can enjoy other occasions such as eating out and going to the movies with a smile that you’re proud to share.

Feel free to book your next cleaning and dental exam with us today to learn even more about dental hygiene! Muncie dentist Dr. Greg Pyle makes sure that your six-month checkup is comfortable, informative, and well worth your time!