How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Are you one of the millions who only visit the dentist when you are in agony? This is a very common situation that dental practices have been trying to remedy for decades. Yes, visiting the dentist is scary and, to be frank, a little bit intimidating since your dentist will be working within your personal bubble. And yet, most tooth problems are avoidable if the right type of care is offered when these types of problems are just starting out.

The problem with catching tooth and gum problems early on is that they can be hard to detect when they are just starting. You likely won’t notice or see any signs that your teeth have been compromised until you feel that painful jab throbbing through your gums. At this point, the damage is already done.

The only way to spot dental problems before the pain begins is by getting your teeth checked by a dental practitioner. Let’s take a look at how often you should be booking a visit to a dentist throughout your life.

A Healthy Dental Visit Schedule For Children

It is best for young kids to visit a tooth doctor often – and not just for the sake of their teeth. Little ones learn a great deal about oral hygiene and good dental habits during these visits. Kids who visit dental clinics often don’t develop a fear of procedures or dentists. This can make any future treatments they might need a lot more comfortable. Here is when you should be taking little ones to the dentist’s office at different stages;

• Infants

Your first visit should be booked as soon as that first white baby tooth breaks through the gum surface. Dentists can teach you how to properly brush and take care of baby teeth. From this point on, infants should see the dentist every six months – or whenever there seems to be an issue during teething. 

• Toddlers

Toddlers can get their first dental cleaning when they are one year old. This is also a good time to get the baby’s teeth checked. Your toddler should be booked for dental cleans and a checkup every six months. Naturally, parents should also book with the tooth doctor if they notice other concerning aspects like extreme gum swelling, abscesses, mouth sores, teeth crowding, teeth discolouration, or when baby teeth get broken or chipped. You can also visit the dentist if you notice adult teeth emerging behind a baby tooth that doesn’t seem to loosen on its own. 

• Tweens and Teens

Continue booking those oral cleansings and checkups about once every six months throughout the child’s life. Your dental practitioner can monitor the child’s teeth and jaw development and will tell parents when they should be looking into corrective strategies like braces. 

• Children With Braces

Children with braces become true regulars at dental practices. When the braces journey starts, your child might need intervention every week. Those with orthodontics need to check in at dental clinics at least once a month. 

A Healthy Dental Visit Schedule for Adults

As a young or healthy adult, you should still book dental visits about once every six months. Naturally, you will also need to book an appointment every time you notice something concerning your teeth. Here is a quick look at a good clinic visit schedule for adults with special dental needs; 

• Adults With Invisalign

Those with invisible braces usually need to check in at dental clinics every two weeks. Invisible braces are constantly replaced with newly moulded ones. With most treatments, the clear retainers are replaced every two weeks. 

• Adults With Unhealthy Habits

If you have unhealthy habits – drinking too much coffee, smoking, consuming a lot of alcohol, teeth grinding – then it can be good to get your teeth checked and cleaned more often. Ideally, you should be getting a checkup every three months. 

• Adults With Cosmetic Dentistry

Some cosmetic dental treatments can be completed in a single session, while others might require multiple dental visits. Treatments like teeth whitening should be done about every six months. A good dental check every year is also recommended for other cosmetic treatments like veneers or dental bonding. 

• Adults With Other Dental Problems

Adults who already have compromised teeth, tooth or gum ailments, or who suffer from health conditions can schedule a visit once every 3 or 4 months. 

• Seniors With Dental Aids

Seniors with dental aids usually start with lots of dental visits. However, once you get used to the dental aids, these visits can be reduced to six-month checkups. 

Schedule Your Newtown Dental Checkup Today

Don’t wait until pain drives you to the dental office. At Blue Tooth Dental, we are extremely professional, and we try our best to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible. Visiting our dental clinic often is the best way to keep your teeth in great shape.

Contact Blue Tooth Dental now and schedule your dental checkup in Newtown. With us, your smile is in the best hands.