OK, so you’ve just finished up with your dental checkup and you’re checking out with receptionist. She says that it’s a good idea to go ahead and book your next appointment. She looks at the calendar and asks, “How does 6 months from today sound?”
“Six months, really? That’s seems a bit over-the top, my oral health is in perfect condition – the dentist even said so.” These are the thoughts most likely going through your head as the receptionist waits for an answer. Is it truly necessary to visit a dentist near me twice a year, or is that just a scam setup by dental associations around the world? Wouldn’t an annual checkup suffice?
Why It’s Important to Visit the Dentist
Even if you brush twice a day, floss 5 times a week, and have never experienced a cavity, it’s still crucial to regularly visit the dentist. Here’s why. There are many strains of bacteria in the human mouth, some good and some bad. Both types of bacteria are extreme opportunists and will do whatever it takes to spread, especially the bad bacteria. As bad bacteria grows and spreads, your oral health can suffer significantly, and you might not even realize it.
Certain oral health issues like tooth decay or gingivitis creep up slowly, and you won’t even realize there’s a problem until it’s too late. Cavities can be forming and teeth can be decaying without you even knowing about it. Luckily, a trip to the Dental Office of Phoenix, or anywhere else, can determine the state of your oral health. And if your oral health is declining, the dentist can take the necessary measures to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Visiting the Dentist Every 6 Months vs Every 12 Months
Sure, for some people it can seem like overkill to visit the dentist two times a year. But it’s actually not that much of a commitment to set aside one hr in your schedule every six months. Scheduling dental checkups two times per year allows you to stay on top of your oral health. Consider once per year dentist visits the absolute minimum.
However, for many people once-per-year appointments should be just fine. You need to consider your own personal oral health though when deciding if once a year or every 6 months is right for you. If you are prone to bleeding gums, cavities, or bad breath, scheduling two appointments each year is a good idea.
Healthy Dental Habits for Children vs Adults
If you are an adult and take the proper measures for promoting oral health, visiting the dentist once a year should be just fine. However, you should still take your children to the dentist twice per year to make sure everything is in order.
Since children are still growing and developing, their teeth are more prone to developing cavities. This is especially true if you feed your children high-sugar diets. Do your best to avoid the sugar – and also try to take the kiddos to their bi-annual dental checkups.
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