Do I Really Need Dental Checkups Every Six Months?

Do you sometimes wonder if regular preventive visits are actually necessary? Particularly if you have stuck to a diligent dental hygiene routine, this year, you might be tempted to skip out on routine dental checkups and cleanings, thinking you are doing more than enough to adequately protect your teeth and gums, yourself. Unfortunately skipping even a few dental visits can allow plaque bacteria to create acidic tartar buildup on the surface of the teeth. This can lead to health problems such as cavities, and even the early stages of periodontitis, or as it is more commonly called, gum disease. So, if you want to protect your smile, it is important to see the dentist at least twice a year for key preventive care.

Why Preventive Care Is Key to Dental Health

Many people don’t realize that while brushing and flossing help to protect the teeth, they are rarely enough to completely prevent plaque buildup on the teeth. Once calcified, tartar can only be removed through a professional dental cleaning. This is why preventive appointments are so crucial to good, prolonged oral health.

While most people have been taught that routine visits should occur every six months, this is a generalized guideline. Some patients actually need to visit more frequently in order to protect the teeth and gums.

Don’t Ignore Dental Symptoms Either

It is also important to pay attention to changes in the smile, and to seek restorative treatment as quickly as possible, when one notices warning signs of trouble. Sensitivity, discoloration, and certainly discomfort are common symptoms of dental issues like cavities. The sooner restoration is completed, the less likely extensive treatment will become necessary.