How long has it been since you last had a dental check-up? The longer the gap between visits, the more chance there is of developing a serious problem and needing treatment.
There's no single answer for how often you should visit the dentist, as this varies from person to person based on the state of your oral health, your medical history and other risk factors for developing problems. However, there are some general recommendations.
How often should adults visit the dentist?
Most dentists recommend twice-yearly visits for adults, though this may be reduced to once a year if you have good oral health and a lower risk of developing problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.
Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have poor oral health or certain medical conditions that can impact on oral health, such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.
If your situation changes, your dentist will adjust their recommendation accordingly. Dentists may sometimes recommend more frequent visits on a temporary basis, such as during pregnancy.
Regular oral health assessments and hygiene treatments are important at all ages, even if your teeth have been replaced by dental implants or dentures.
How often should kids visit the dentist?
It's recommended that children first see a dentist by the time of their first birthday (or within 6 months of growing their first tooth) and begin having regular check-ups by the time they turn two. They should then ideally visit the dentist twice a year.
Regular check-ups can be especially important for children, as their teeth and jaws are still developing and more vulnerable to cavities and other damage. Regular dental visits in childhood could also lead to good visiting patterns in later life and help to prevent problems such as dental anxiety.
Like adults, children and teenagers will need to see their dentist more often if they have an ongoing oral health problem or are having an ongoing treatment such as orthodontics. Kids' check-ups and preventive care may be free if you are eligible for the CDBS scheme.
How often should you have a scale and clean?
Dental hygiene treatments are recommended as part of regular check-ups. These involve professional cleaning and scaling of the teeth to remove plaque and applying fluoride, all of which helps to lower your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Your dentist or hygienist will also discuss your oral care routine and may offer advice to help you avoid problems and the need for corrective treatments in the future.
How often should I have an x-ray?
Dental x-rays give your dentist a closer look at your teeth and jaws and can reveal early signs of problems. They are offered as part of a regular check-up, but may not be considered necessary if you have already had an x-ray within the past year and there are no other signs of a problem.
Radiation exposure from modern dental x-rays is very low, but they are still generally avoided during pregnancy or for young children, unless necessary to aid with diagnosis or treatment planning.
Talk to a dentist in Bracken Ridge
If it's been longer than 6 months since you or your family last visited the dental clinic, or you need to see a dentist about a problem, call our friendly team at Bracken Ridge Dental on (07) 3261 2405 to book an appointment today. You can also book online.
By: Bracken Ridge Dental