How Often Do I Need To See The Dentist?

You may have heard that you should see the dentist every six months. But is this true? Do you really need to see Dr. Douglas Hope for consultation twice a year? Are there some cases when you need more frequent dental visits? Get answers to all of your questions below.

It’s Best To Get Preventive Care From The Dentist Every Six Months

At the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope, we recommend that you come and see our team for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months. This is the same recommendation provided by the ADA and a number of other dental organizations.

There are some cases where you may need to see the dentist more frequently, in fact. For example, if you have gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) you may need to have your mouth cleaned every 3-4 months to eliminate the disease and restore your oral health.

What If I Don’t See The Dentist Every Six Months?

Wondering what might happen if you don’t see a dentist every six months? If you maintain good at-home oral care habits, such as brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing once per day, your smile will likely remain relatively healthy. But frequently skipping appointments and not seeing the dentist consistently can still lead to a variety of issues.

• Higher risk of cavities & gum disease – The most important thing about preventive dentistry is that it helps your dentist catch potential cavities and signs of gum disease early, and provide you with the care you need to avoid these oral health issues. Even if you take great care of your teeth at home, it’s almost impossible to notice minor gum disease or cavities early enough to avoid them. That’s one of the reasons why it’s a good idea to see the dentist for an appointment every six months.
• Stains will build up on your teeth – These stains won’t permanently discolor your teeth, in most cases. But plaque and tartar, which form from oral bacteria, tend to become discolored by beverages like tea, coffee, and cola over time. During a dental visit, your hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar, eliminating these stains. Going without routine dental care means your smile may be more susceptible to stains.
• You won’t use your full dental benefits – If you have dental insurance, there’s really no reason not to go to the dentist twice a year. Almost every dental plan covers two dental visits per year at no cost to you. You can see the dentist every six months without paying a fee, so it just makes sense to make use of these benefits, since you’re paying the full cost of your dental insurance plan anyway.

Contact Us To Schedule Your Next Appointment In Escondido

If you want to keep your smile healthy and avoid potential complications like gum disease and tooth decay, seeing Dr. Hope every six months is the best way to safeguard your oral health. We’re always accepting new patients, so give us a call at (760) 480-8883 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.