How often should I visit the dentist?

Going to your dentist regularly will help ensure a preventive approach to your health care. When dental health problems are seen early, and treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. Also, some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth.

Every person is different. Some people need to visit the dentist twice a year; others may need more visits.

When you visit your dentist for a routine check-up they will review your recent medical history, examine your mouth, and decide whether you need x-rays. During the examination of your mouth your dental professional will check your jaw, gums, and teeth. An oral cancer screening is completed by holding your tongue with gauze and assessing the whole mouth. This examination will be used to create a treatment plan to ensure you have healthy gums and teeth.

Here are some examples of when you should see your dental professional.

• It’s time for your regular dental checkup and continuing care appointment with a dental hygienist.
• Pain or swelling in your mouth, face, or neck
• Gums are puffy or bleeding
• Your mouth has spots or sores
• Trouble eating, chewing, or swallowing
• Dry mouth
• Jaw Pain
• You have medical conditions or are undergoing medical treatment
• Pregnant

You might be curious about the different dental professionals you see. Here are the different roles:

• The dental assistant has many varied responsibilities from assisting the dentist during a variety of procedures, direct patient care, office management tasks and many more possibilities.
• The dental hygienist focuses on prevention. They will treat oral diseases to protect the teeth and gums with consideration of whole-body health.
• The dentist is your doctor of oral health. The dentist will evaluate, diagnosis, prevent, and treat diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity and associated structures and their impact on the human body.

It is always best to be honest and formulate a plan to achieve optimal oral health. A treatment plan will be implemented, and proper home care will be discussed. Maintaining your oral health is an essential piece of your overall health.