When Do I Visit My Dentist?

As soon as we start growing baby teeth, we begin visiting our dentist’s office to receive dental care. But when we get older, we may feel tempted to skip the hassle of scheduling regular appointments. However, if you miss these dental visits, you will lax on crucial preventative dentistry that keeps your smile looking and feeling its best.

But when should you go to see your dentist? And what happens during these appointments that is so vital for your smile? Read on to learn more about the importance of continuous preventative dental care and how often you need it.

routine dentist appointment

What Happens During a Routine Dentist Appointment?

When you visit your dentist, they will first want to give your teeth and gums a professional cleaning. They will scrape away excess plaque and tartar that may form in hard-to-reach spots of the mouth like near the gumline. This process ensures that harmful residues will not hurt your smile in these tricky locations.

The dentist will also examine your gums and your teeth for early signs of dental problems like gum disease or cavities. If they find these concerns, they can offer swift treatment to get rid of them.

Then they can be gone from your smile before they can cause irreversible dental damage. This preventative dental care ensures your smile can remain looking and feeling its best. Even if with your naked eye, it seems fine, underlying dental issues could be wreaking havoc on your smile.

When Should I Schedule Dental Check-Ups?

How often do you need to see the dentist for this preventative dentistry to keep your smile healthy? Ideally, the average dental patient should schedule routine dental check-ups every six months. This establishes a timeframe where your dentist can clear away residues and other concerns before they cause long-term damage.

Some patients might need more dental attention than this. For instance, senior patients, those with a higher propensity for tartar formation, and people with underlying medical issues might need to see their dentist three or four times each year. Consult with your dentist to form a treatment plan that suits your unique dental needs.

What Do I Do During a Dental Emergency?

Even with diligent at-home dental care, accidents can occur that may leave your smile in pain or structurally damaged. You should not wait until your next routine appointment to receive care for this dental emergency. Call your dentist as soon as you can to treat a dental injury or other oral health concern.

Tooth pain of any kind is abnormal and should be evaluated by your dentist promptly. You do not have to suffer in discomfort until your next regularly scheduled visit. Your dentist will likely ask you to come to their office for an emergency evaluation and dental repair.

The problem can worsen if you do not seek this urgent care. So make sure you do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist with any concerns.