From a very early age, you have been told that you should take care of your teeth, and going for a dental checkup regularly is one of the things that you can do to ensure good oral health. But, really, when did you last visit a dental clinic?
If you couldn’t remember the date, the chances are that it’s been a while, and you probably missed your last appointment (if you’ve actually made one, that is). When you’re not experiencing any toothache, bleeding gums, or any sign that there’s a dental problem, the thought of going to a dentist might not cross your mind. However, you should never wait until there’s a problem before you get your teeth checked.
In this article, we’ll talk about how often you should go to the dentist and why there’s a need for a regular checkup:
How Often Should You Go for a Dental Checkup?
Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and determine when your next visit should be. While it changes from patient to patient, it is generally recommended to have your teeth and gums checked at least every six months.
However, if you already have dental issues or if your dentist notices any signs of poor oral health, then a more frequent visit might be required. This could be as often as every three months or so. On the other hand, if you have healthy gums and teeth and no history of any oral health concern, you would probably be all right with an annual visit.
Why Do You Need Regular Dental Checkups?
One of the main reasons your dentist advises that you visit on a regular basis is so they can ensure that your oral health is never compromised and any problem that might arise will be caught early. Dentists are highly trained professionals and they will be able to detect issues that you might not even notice.
There are many instances when patients get surprised to learn that a few of their teeth already require fillings or that there’s plaque buildup. Sometimes, a visit to the dentist will be life-saving, such as when dentists detect early signs of cancer in the mouth.
What Happens During a Checkup?
Many people dread the idea of going to the dentist, and anxiety associated with trips to the dental clinic is not something that only kids experience. If you also feel nervous about going to the dentist, one reason might be because you don’t know what to expect from your visit.
However, there’s nothing to be worried about. In fact, if there’s no problem at all, the checkup could last for just 10 minutes! It will only take longer if there are issues that the dentist needs to address.
The checkup will start with the doctor asking you a few questions about your oral health and whether you have experienced any problems since your previous visit. Then, they’ll do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure that there’s nothing wrong. In case they find something, they might ask to book a follow-up visit or if none, they might recommend for you to get your teeth cleaned professionally by the hygienist.
Conclusion
Going to your trusted dentist office in Orpington every six months can help you keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible. Remember that those visits are crucial to your oral health. If you want to avoid problems like plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and more, you should book an appointment and keep it as often as possible!
If you are looking for reputable dentists in Orpington, trust H Williams and Associates. Our expert dentists understand that you might be busy with work and personal life, so we make Saturday and evening appointments possible for our patients, too. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today!