You often hear that you need dental checkups twice a year. Even if we don’t see this as a regular practice, it is often said that if you get your dental checkup every six months, you can avoid most dental problems.

No one knows where this advice came from so it is still a matter of debate. However, in reality, everyone has different dental hygiene habits and unique oral conditions. Your oral condition and habits should ideally decide how often you should get a dental checkup.

What are dental checkups?

Dental checkup vs Dental treatment 

Dental checkups are just routine visits to the dentist where the dentist examines your teeth and generally cleans them. The purpose of a dental visit is to find out any dental issues you may have or be prone to having. Dental treatments and dental checkups are entirely different things because dental treatments are done based on need and dental checkups are done regularly to maintain oral health.

Why do we need a dental checkup?

We need a dental checkup to rule out any dental issues or diseases. Many times, dental issues are not easily noticed and only a dentist can find them during a dental checkup. If you don’t get a dental checkup, your dental issues may progress to a point where they cause a lot of pain and discomfort. During dental checkups, your dentist will also recommend some practices to maintain oral health and hygiene. This is also important for long-lasting oral health.

Dental health is an essential part of our well-being and those who pay regular visits to the dentist are more likely to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Healthy teeth and gums are a huge blessing. If you want to prevent dental issues before they occur, you should certainly get regular dental checkups according to your dentist’s advice.

Also Read: Why Dental Checkup is so Important- 11 Benefits You Need To Know

How often should you get a dental checkup?

Most studies say that the frequency of dental checkups depends on the individual. Since children are believed to be at a higher risk of tooth decay, they are suggested to see a dentist at least once a year. On the other hand, adults with good oral health and hygiene can go as long as two years without a dental checkup. Teenagers who are low-risk can get a dental checkup every 18 months or so. People with pre-existing health or dental issues may need frequent dental checkups. 

Let us take a look at the factors on which the frequency of your visit to the dentist depends 

Lifestyle factors

This is the most obvious factor which contributes to your oral health. If you are a smoker and you drink alcohol regularly, you may need to visit your dentist frequently. In the United States, people who consume alcohol are three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss compared to the national average.

Tobacco is already known to be a contributor to oral diseases and to negatively affect your teeth and overall health. If you improve your lifestyle and adopt healthy practices, you will need fewer trips to the dentist for checkups. 

Commitment toward oral health

If you are someone who is committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, you will not have to visit the dentist every few months for a dental checkup.

Good oral hygiene is the key to keeping your mouth, teeth, and gums in great condition. If you want to reduce your visits to the dentist naturally, you just need to be committed to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. 

Biological factors

Some are prone to getting cavities. If you have a family history of particular diseases, you may have to be extra careful about your oral health. Some biological factors make you prone to certain oral conditions and there is not much that you can do about it.

The only way to ensure good oral health, in this case, is to get regular dental checkups so that any dental problems can be caught at an early stage and treated on time.

Access

Access is one of the major factors which decide whether you are going to need frequent dental checkups or not. Many people do not have access to the necessary services which are required to maintain their oral health. Several people do not have access to products that allow you to take care of their oral hygiene. This is one of the cases where the frequency of required dental checkups may increase. 

These were some of the top factors which decide how frequently one needs a dental checkup. 

However, the best person to help you with this would be your dentist. Based on your oral condition, your dentist will suggest a dental checkup schedule that you should follow.

If you are not sure how often you should get a dental checkup, you should reach out to us at Morgan Hill Dentistry. We have the best dentists in Morgan hill who will guide you according to your oral health.