How often you need to visit a dentist has little to do with your teeth, but rather the state of gum tissue and supporting bone. Also, how long you can wait before your appointment with the dentist’s chair depends on the assessment you and your dentist make of your individual risk.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends,
- Children go at least once a year because their teeth can decay faster.
- Adults without problems can wait for two years.
- Longer than two years is OK for people who have shown commitment to caring for their teeth and gums.
- Those who are prone to periodontal problems may require checking or cleaning every three to four months.
- If your gums bleed when you clean your teeth, or are tender, swollen or red, see a dentist immediately.
People with a high risk of dental disease might need to visit every three or four months, or more. This high-risk group includes:
- Those who smoke
- Pregnant women
- Diabetics
- People with current gum disease
- People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection
- People who tend to get cavities or build up plaque
The schedule for any person may change during a lifetime. In times of stress or illness, you may need to see the dentist more often than usual.
Why do I need a dental check-up?
Many females avoid visiting a dentist till the situation is serious, finding it unnecessary.
Well, a check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and help you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it’s best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether.