How Often Should You See the Family Dentist

According to the American Dental Association, little more than half of Americans visit a family dentist twice yearly, which is the frequency with which the ADA recommends checkups. This means that an overwhelming percentage — more than 40% — only schedule a visit when something is wrong. Individuals who fall into the latter category may actually end up spending more money on dental care than if they were to maintain biannual appointments visits. Moreover, failing to see a family dentist regularly can lead to significant dental issues and, eventually, tooth loss.

The importance of regular checkups with a family dentist

Though the recommended frequency of visits with a family dentist will vary from person to person, the ADA suggests that everyone should make at least one to two visits a year. A good rule of thumb individuals should live by, however, is to schedule a cleaning every six months.

Many people wonder why it is necessary to schedule dental appointments twice a year, or at all, if the teeth are in otherwise good shape. The answer to this is two-fold.

For one, regular dental visits give patients an opportunity to undergo much more thorough cleanings than what can be achieved at home. While brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice daily can help prevent the buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums, these practices cannot clean well between the teeth or beneath the gumline. With professional tools, however, a dental hygienist or dentist can remove the buildup of plaque or tartar in hard to reach places and therefore reduce a patient’s risk of developing cavities, gum disease, bad breath, or other dental problems.

Two, a thorough dental exam can reveal small issues before they become bigger and costlier ones. If caught early on, minor issues, such as dental caries, can be reversed or treated before causing major problems.

Other times to visit a family dentist

Some individuals may require more frequent visits to a family dentist than others or need to schedule a visit that falls outside of the typical six-month schedule. Instances that may require a visit sooner rather than later include the following:

  • When a patient experiences severe, lingering tooth or gum pain
  • When a patient experiences sudden and/or extreme tooth or gum sensitivity
  • When a patient experiences trauma to the mouth, such as after a sports injury or car accident
  • When a tooth becomes cracked, chipped, loose, or broken
  • When a person develops a cavity
  • When an existing restoration or prosthetic becomes loose or falls out
  • When a person develops visible symptoms of decay or damage, such as white patches in the mouth or dark spots on the teeth

In these instances, it is always best that a person seeks immediate attention from a dental professional, even if the issue turns out to be nothing major.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist in Scottsdale, AZ

Conclusion

The job of a family dentist is to maintain patients’ overall oral health and prevent as many dental issues as possible. The best way these professionals can accomplish their jobs is by seeing each patient on an annual or biannual basis.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

Tips For Taking Your Kids To A Family Dentist

Taking young children to the family dentist can be overwhelming at times, especially because they are more prone to dental fear and anxiety. However, dental care is essential for children, just as it is for adults, and should start at a very young age. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist as…

Ask A Family Dentist: What Is An Abscessed Tooth?

An abscessed tooth can occur for a variety of reasons, and most require prompt treatment from a family dentist. It is important to understand what an abscessed tooth is, what the early symptoms are and how a family dentist might treat an abscessed tooth to be able to recognize the concern when it develops and…

4 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Family Dentist

Are you looking for a family dentist? Read on to learn what questions you should ask before selecting a family dentist. A consultation visit with a family dentist offers a way to learn more about the dental practice you are considering and see if they and their dental team are a good fit for what…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit…

5 days ago

The FAQs of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth.

6 days ago

Your Tooth Replacement Options

If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, there are several tooth…

2 weeks ago

What Is an Implant Dentist and How Can They Help You?

There are many different types of dental specialists, but if you are looking for one…

2 weeks ago

How an Implant Dentist Can Treat Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is a painful condition that affects the dental implant site. If left untreated, the…

2 weeks ago

What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Dental Implant Aftercare

If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you might want to talk…

3 weeks ago