According to research, there is no magic number of set visits to the dentist to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright. Interestingly, experts say that how often you need to go depends more on your gum tissue and the supporting bone structure than your actual teeth. Those who are more at risk for decay and periodontal issues should be checked or cleaned every 3-4 months. Those who aren’t at risk should be fine with going once a year.
The more frequent cleanings will remove plaque that has built up over time. Plaque puts you at risk for harmful bacterial that cause gum disease, which could cause your teeth to loosen and fall out over time. Smoking, diabetes, oral contraceptives, and pregnancy can all increase your risk of getting gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, we recommend seeing a dentist immediately. Other indicators of gum disease are swollen, tender, and/or red gums.
If your insurance coverage makes more frequent visits difficult, inquire about our financial plans. We try to work with you so that you don’t have to let your insurance dictate or control necessary treatments.
Growing evidence even links your oral health to your general health, so discuss with your dentist how many visits a year are right for you. Generally, you should go at least once a year, but if you have specific problems or are at greater risk of periodontal issues, you should have increased visits.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our long beach dentist office, call (562) 434-6414.
