Do I Really Need to See the Dentist Every Six Months?

Posted by nmcclees

Your teeth are one of the most important aspects of your appearance.  Your smile is one of the first things other people notice about you.  If you aren’t experiencing any dental issues and are happy with the appearance of your smile, do you really need to visit the dentist every six months? The answer is yes. We’ll explain why a bi-annual dental visit is essential to your oral health.

Preventative care is key to keeping your smile healthy and bright. Your teeth are designed to last for life but can only do so if they are cared for properly. Common oral problems such as tooth decay and gum disease are preventable.  Even if you brush and floss perfectly each day, little bits of plaque are still left behind. Plaque buildup contains harmful bacteria which can inflame and infect your gums and cause your teeth to decay.

A thorough dental cleaning with our hygienists can help to remove plaque. Your teeth will look better and your breath will improve too.  A checkup will give your dentist the opportunity to fully inspect your teeth, gums, and mouth to see if there are any problem areas. We recommend both in the same appointment, every six months.  These appointments typically only take about an hour each. 

Most people don’t like visiting us for anything serious, such as a root canal, an extraction, or an infection. This is why if any problems areas are found, it is best to take preventative or restorative action as soon as possible to avoid making any issues worse. If problems are allowed to worsen over time, they can be more difficult and expensive to reverse. If no problems are found, at least you will feel good knowing you’ve done your part to keep your smile healthy and looking its best!

Most insurance plans also agree with these points, which is why they typically cover two visits a year for a checkup and cleaning.  We are always happy to help you find out what your insurance plan covers before your visit.  

Get your next appointment on the calendar today. We’re ready to see you!