“Brush twice a day and visit your dentist every six months.” You’ve probably heard this advice more than once in your life. Delta Dental advises a dental appointment once every year or two, though the insurance provider usually covers two preventive dental visits a year.
The American Dental Association, the respected national authority in dental care, recommends twice-a-year cleanings and checkups, with more frequent visits if needed. But how often should YOU see a dentist? Dr. Cat knows firsthand that every patient is different.
If your family needs a gentle, caring dentist, call Santa Cruz Dental Artists in Santa Cruz, CA, today to schedule your checkup, cleaning, or second opinion appointment with Dr. Cat.
Seeing your dentist twice a year is a good standard. However, some patients need to see a dentist more frequently. In this article, we’ll explore symptoms and conditions that are best
served by more frequent dental visits. Then you can determine whether it’s time for you to schedule an appointment.
Conditions That Need a Dentist’s Supervision
Gum Disease
The leading cause of adult tooth loss, gum disease is also called periodontal disease. After a deep dental cleaning, gum disease patients should adhere to the professional cleaning schedule set by their dentist or hygienist. By assessing the depth of periodontal pockets every few months, dental professionals can determine whether gums are healing properly or require additional treatments.
Cancer Treatments
Chemotherapy can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. For patients who experience vomiting, back teeth are subject to acid erosion and resulting sensitivity. At frequent appointments, the dentist can keep an eye on your oral health and provide suggestions to help keep your mouth as healthy as possible, even during chemo.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Out-of-control blood sugar has been directly linked with gum disease and tooth enamel erosion. If you have trouble maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, tell your dentist. He or she will let you know if more than two visits a year would benefit your oral health.
Tobacco Users
Tobacco causes dry mouth and oral cancer. While dry mouth increases the risk for cavities and is uncomfortable, oral cancer can be fatal if it’s not treated in the early stage. Let your dentist know if you use tobacco, so he or she can help you maintain good oral health and, if you’re up to the challenge, quit smoking as well!
Everyone Should See a Dentist When They…
● Experience a cavity, crack, chip, or other obvious dental damage.
● Have tender, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth.
● Unexpectedly lose a tooth during adulthood.
● Suffer from an acute toothache that doesn’t go away after brushing and flossing. ● Experience a traumatic facial or mouth injury.
● Have a loose tooth.
Next Steps
At a minimum, the smiles you love most should be inspected and cleaned every six months by your dentist. Preventive visits will allow the dental team to find and treat abnormalities in the early stage when treatment is least invasive and most often successful. Call
Dr. Cat at Santa Cruz Dental Artists, located in Santa Cruz, CA, today at 1-831-457-0343 or visit our website at SantaCruzDentalArtists.com to reserve your appointment.
