Around 50 years ago, at a routine health inspection of newly enlisted men, the military realized that most of their teeth and gums were in bad shape. Health professionals quickly realized that this applied to most Americans and that there was an urgent need to spread awareness.
Back then, most dentists spent their time fixing problems rather than preventing them. There wasn’t a consensus on how often people should brush their teeth or visit the dentist. To help prevent tooth decay, gum diseases and other oral health issues, health professionals created standard recommendations for the public. Since there wasn’t a lot of data to support their recommendations, they created a list of best practices that need to be followed.
Going to the dentist regularly is essential for your dental health. Even if you frequently use tartar removing toothpaste and your teeth seem fine to you, going in for a dental checkup with a professional will help you catch small issues before they become major problems. But what does 'going regularly for a dental check up' actually mean?
In general, people of all ages should get a dental checkup every six months. While this broad guideline will serve you well in terms of preventative dentistry, there are a few different rules for children and adults at greater risk for dental issues. Let's take a look at how to know how often you should go to the dentist based on a few important factors.
For Kids
Children should go to the dentist for their first oral exam right when their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday. Although your little one's teeth are brand new, going in this early will allow you to speak with the dentist about how you can best care for their baby teeth. As your child grows up, they should get checkups as often as the dentist recommends, which is typically every six months. This frequency helps prevent childhood cavities and any other unexpected dental issues.
For Adults
As mentioned above, it's recommended that adults visit the dentist every six months. Some adults who practice good oral hygiene, like using tartar removing toothpaste, and don't have problems at checkups may prefer to go just once during the year. Someone who isn't as diligent with using their plaque removing toothpaste may need to go more frequently. If you're unsure of how often you should go in for a dental checkup, consult with your dentist. You may also want to check your health insurance, as some plans require you to visit every six months to get full insurance benefits.
Some people with certain conditions or habits may need to see their dentists more often for check-ups. For instance, smokers should see their dentist for preventative checkups every few months, as tobacco use is a major risk factor for severe gum disease and oral cancer. People with diabetes should also see the dentist more frequently because they have a higher risk of gum disease and fungal infections. Even pregnant women might want to consider visiting the dentist more often. Pregnancy hormones can cause gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, and other problems that dentists can treat.
Keep in mind that these are just the recommendations for checkups. Be sure to make an appointment with your dentist if you have a pressing concern, such as tooth or gum pain that doesn't go away, gums that are sore or bleeding, or a lost filling. But what about in between check ups? How do you maintain good oral hygiene then? We have just the answer for you. Used regularly, LIVFRESH Dental Gel provides a safe and effective way to care for your teeth between your dentist visits. Click the following link to learn more about our top selling Wintergreen Dental gel.