Going to the dentist is essential to prevent and detect cavities, gum disease and other oral problems. But few people are enough: according to the latest federal data, only 65% of adults have had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year.
How often do you need to visit the dentist? Here is what the oral health experts say.
Why go at all?
Research shows a strong link between oral diseases and systemic diseases. “Regular dental visits are essential for early detection of oral health problems before degenerating or spreading to other parts of the body,” said Dr. Kemia Zeinali, founder of Dreamhouse Dental in Bell Gardens, California. For example, untreated cavities, disintegration of tooth and gum disease can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
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Dentists also make screen cancer screening for people with risk factors or symptoms, which are “essential for the capture of these cancers at the start of their development,” said Dr. Prabha Krishnan, president of the New York State Dental Association and Chief of the Peodonte du Flushing Hospital Medical Center. “Good oral health is the gateway of good overall health.”
How many times a year should you go to the dentist?
Previously, the American Dental Association (ADA) advised people to visit their dentist every six months. But ADA now recommends that the appropriate pace for professional controls and cleaning is adapted to the oral health needs of each individual, dictated by the age, the patient’s state of health and the oral health problems.
“While some people may need controls every six months, others with higher risk factors for dental diseases may need more frequent visits,” said Dr. Natasha Mr. Flake, president of the American Association of Endodontists. Experts agree that most adults benefit from seeing a dentist at least twice a year for preventive care and early detection of problems such as gum cavities and diseases.
“The best way to determine the frequency you should go to the dentist is to really go to the dentist,” explains Flake. Your dentist can then make a personalized recommendation for you, depending on your own oral health and risk factors.
Who needs more frequent visits?
The elderly probably benefit from the dentist most frequently. Indeed, the risk of gum disease generally increases with age. “Several factors contribute, including changes in oral health, a decrease in saliva production and the potential for chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, which can also affect the health of the gums,” said Zeinali.
Many elderly people have dental restorations or prostheses, which are more difficult to clean and maintain; Less in -depth cleaning increases the probability of gum disease. “Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your gums, provide professional cleaning and recommend appropriate treatments,” he said. For this reason, if you have a history of gum disease or significant dental work, your dentist can suggest visits every three to six months, rather than the six -month -old interval, Zeinali explains.
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Other more vulnerable groups include people with antecedents of obesity, excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking – or those who have not been in the dentist for a long time. “For those who have neglected oral care for many years, two visits per year are probably not enough,” she adds. “They will need more frequent professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist, as well as possible periodontal surgery or a laser.”
And people with periodontal disease (GUM) should usually go to the dentist more often than twice a year. “A dentist or periodontist can make a recommendation depending on the severity of gum disease and how he is controlled,” explains Flake.
Should people with dental prostheses go to the dentist?
A false common idea is that people with complete prostheses do not need to go to the dentist, says Flake. Even if you do not have natural teeth, it is always important to regularly visit a dentist to examine soft tissues (gums) and temporomandibular joint, and to assess all prostheses.
“Prevention is the key to dentistry,” explains Flake. “It is better to prevent a dental problem than to face it once it occurs.”
