Do you really need to go to the dentist every 6 months?
That’s a question that a lot of people are asking these days. Even though most dentists say that people should have a regular check-up done at least once every 6 months, studies have shown that only about 50% of Americans visit the dentist that often.
If you haven’t gotten yourself into the habit of going to the dentist every 6 months for a dentist exam, you should think about starting to do it moving forward. Here are six reasons why it’s a good idea to see your dentist twice every year.
1. Prevents Plaque From Building Up on Your Teeth
Are you doing everything in your power to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth? Chances are, you’re not. One study after another has suggested that Americans aren’t brushing their teeth enough these days.
Irregular brushing can eventually lead to plaque, which is a sticky deposit that sits on the surface of your teeth and gums, developing. Plaque is often filled with harmful bacteria and can lead to tartar, which will cause the discoloration of your teeth.
If nothing else, taking a trip to your dentist’s office once every 6 months will prevent plaque and tartar from taking a toll on your teeth. Your dentist can provide you with everything from a basic cleaning to more advanced laser periodontal therapy to eliminate plaque and all the side effects that can come along with it.
2. Helps You Avoid Tooth Decay
Dealing with tooth decay has, unfortunately, turned into a way of life for many Americans. Research has shown that about 95% of Americans have developed extensive tooth decay by the time they turn 65.
If you don’t visit your dentist once every 6 months, you could be dealing with tooth decay and not even realize it. Sugary foods and drinks can cause the outer layer of your teeth to disappear and force you to correct all kinds of dental issues.
Instead of allowing things to get to this point, you should have your dentist evaluate your teeth every 6 months to see if there are any causes for concern. If your dentist spots any tooth decay, they can tell you how to alleviate the problem so that your teeth remain strong for years to come.
3. Stops Small Cavities From Turning Into Big Ones
It’s not uncommon at all for people to get cavities. Even those people who brush their teeth twice every day for at least two minutes and floss on a regular basis have to deal with cavities every so often. About 90% of Americans are walking around with a cavity right now.
A small cavity in one of your teeth isn’t the end of the world. But it could transform into a much bigger problem than it has to be if you don’t schedule dentist appointments every 6 months. A small cavity can turn into a much larger cavity in a matter of just months and force your dentist to carry out more extensive procedures to fix it.
If you don’t do anything about a cavity, you might have to do a root canal or even have a tooth pulled later on. You’ll be better off avoiding these scenarios by making sure you’re seeing your dentist every 6 months.
4. Allows You to Steer Clear of Developing Gum Disease
There are many people who are under the impression that going to the dentist is all about taking care of their teeth. They’re right to some degree, but when you go to the dentist, they’ll look at more than just your teeth during a check-up.
They’ll also check out your gums to make sure there aren’t any signs of gum disease. This is just as important as checking out your teeth since about half of all Americans suffer from gum disease. You can stop gum disease from spiraling out of control by saying, “Yes,” when you find yourself asking the question, “Do you really need to go to the dentist every 6 months?”
5. Gives You a Chance to Address Other Tooth and Gum Problems
Are you having trouble chewing on one side of your mouth for some reason? Have you noticed that your teeth are unusually sensitive? Or do your gums tend to bleed almost every time you brush your teeth and floss?
These are all problems that you can discuss with your dentist during your check-ups every 6 months. In some cases, you might have a minor problem on your hands that can be fixed in a single appointment. In others, you might have a bigger problem than you realize and have to come back for another appointment to correct it.
Whatever the case, your 6-month check-ups will give you a chance to discuss any tooth and gum problems you might be having with your dentist.
6. Saves You a Lot of Money in the Long Run
A routine dental cleaning won’t cost you very much money. These cleanings usually cost less than $100, and if you have dental insurance, they’ll often be covered by your insurance provider.
Many of the more advanced dental procedures cost a lot more than that, though. Filling a cavity, for example, can cost upwards of $300, while pulling a tooth can cost almost $500 in some cases.
And if you happen to be dealing with multiple problems at once? Well, you can imagine how high the costs of dental services can be.
By having your teeth and gums looked at once every 6 months by your dentist, you can avoid having to go through most of the more advanced dental procedures. This can save you a lot of money over time.
So, Do You Really Need to Go to the Dentist Every 6 Months? The Answer Is Yes
In this day and age, there shouldn’t be people asking, “Do you really need to go to the dentist every 6 months?” People have no reason not to make routine appointments with their dentists.
But there are still people out here refusing to go to the dentist any more than once every year or two. If you fall into this category, you should think twice about taking this approach to dentistry.
As you’ve seen here, there are so many advantages of seeing a dentist every 6 months. You’ll be missing out on them if you don’t schedule regular check-ups at your dentist’s office.
Interested in reading more about taking good care of your teeth and gums? Browse through our blog for other informative articles on dentistry.