Do You Really Need a Dental Check-up Every 6 Months?
Regular dental visits lower your risk of developing oral health problems and needing treatments, but how often do you really need to visit? There’s no single answer to the question, as this depends on your individual oral health needs and risk factors.
Some people can benefit from seeing their dentist twice a year (or more frequently), while others may only need a once-yearly visit. Your dentist will recommend the best visiting pattern for your needs, which could change over time.
Why are regular check-ups important?
Regular dental examinations improve the chance of problems like tooth decay and gum disease being spotted at an early stage, when they’re generally easier to treat and before there may be any permanent damage. If you delay or avoid check-ups, you might not notice signs of a problem until the damage is irreversible. Some oral health conditions such as gum disease also increase overall health risks.
Oral hygiene treatments provided during your dental visit, such as removing built-up plaque and applying fluoride, can lower your risk of developing oral health problems. Your dentist can also advise you about ways to improve your oral care routine and help you with any problems or concerns you may have.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Your dentist will discuss how often you should visit based on their assessment of your oral health and risks.
In general, it’s recommended that adults and children visit every 6 months (twice a year) for the best chance of preventing problems from developing or catching them early.
However, if you have good oral health and you’re not in a high risk category, your dentist may only recommend visiting every 12 months (once a year).
More frequent visits such as every 2–3 months may be needed if your dentist is helping you to manage an ongoing oral health issue, or if you’re having check-ups during or following a treatment, as your dentist may need to monitor your progress or recovery more closely. People with certain health conditions or greater susceptibility to oral health problems may also be advised to visit more frequently.
Outside of scheduled visits, you should also make an appointment to see a dentist if you have any unusual symptoms that could point to a dental problem, or if you have a dental emergency that needs urgent care.
How to look after your oral health between visits
Taking good care of your teeth and gums every day to minimise plaque and tooth decay could reduce your need to visit the dentist twice a year. This involves:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing or cleaning between your teeth at least once a day
- Following a balanced diet and cutting down on processed sugar
- Drinking plenty of water, especially fluoridated water
- Not smoking or drinking excessive alcohol
See a Mosman dentist today
Has it been longer than 6 months since you last saw a dentist, or are you dealing with any pain or discomfort? Contact our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental on (02) 9969 8610 to book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists today. You can also book online.