Do You Really Need a Dental Checkup Every 6 Months?

It’s commonly said that you should see a dentist twice a year. When in doubt, this is a good rule of thumb to follow. But if you want to be sure about how often you need a dental checkup, you should consider your unique mouth, hygiene, habits, and overall well-being.

Dental checkups are routine visits that consist of an examination and cleaning. Dental treatments are specialized visits to treat issues with fillings, deep teeth cleanings, root canals , teeth removal, and more. Dental treatments are scheduled on an as-needed basis, while dental checkups follow a regular schedule. Planning regular dental checkups can prevent the need for dental treatments.

Everyone should go for dental checkups. These routine visits allow your dentist to find any dental problems and other oral health issues you might not have noticed. Without regular visits to the dentist, untreated conditions will likely become painful and difficult to treat down the road. ‌

Letting your dentist regularly inspect your teeth and gums will also help to prevent problems. When your dentist checks for cavities and gives you specific instructions to improve your oral hygiene habits, you are less likely to get cavities.‌

A survey done in the UK revealed that children who only visited the dentist when they noticed a problem had more decaying teeth and fillings than children with regularly scheduled visits. Children who regularly visited the dentist also needed fewer teeth extractions.‌

Another survey done with adults showed that those who had regular dental checkups had significantly fewer teeth missing than those who went to see the dentist only for dental treatments. There are many factors that contribute to good oral health, but regular visits to the dentist are an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and preventing problems.