The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups: How Often Should You Visit the Dentist
A patient in our Vic Park dental clinic recently asked a great question: “How often should I visit the dentist?”
You might have wondered this yourself. It’s a common question, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
How often do you need to visit the dentist?
The generally accepted wisdom is that someone with good oral health should see a dentist every six months. This helps catch potential problems early, and keeps your teeth clean and healthy.
However, twice-yearly check-ups are more likely to be the exception rather than the rule.
Dental care is highly personalised. A tailored approach is essential, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question that our patient asked their dentist in Victoria Park.
The best answer is that your dental care team will recommend check-ups based on your individual health factors, including:
Oral health and hygiene
Patients with dental hygiene issues or a history of oral health complaints might benefit from frequent visits of less than six monthly. Meanwhile, those with excellent oral health might be advised that annual visits are fine.
Age
Children, adults, and seniors have different oral health needs. For example, our Victoria Park dentist might recommend that children have more regular check-ups to monitor developing teeth, and seniors visit more often to address common age-related oral health issues.
Medical history
For patients with gum disease, diabetes, or a history of dental issues, more frequent visits are crucial. Regular check-ups allow for close monitoring and proactive treatment.
Read more: How to Prepare for Your Next Check-Up.
Four reasons you should visit your dentist regularly
- Early detection
Oral health issues like cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer can easily go undetected. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and oral tissues for any warning signs.
When caught early, treatment for these conditions tends to be more effective and less invasive.
- Professional cleaning
Even if you have great oral hygiene, plaque and tartar accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Our skilled hygienists remove this buildup, helping to prevent tooth decay, fight gum disease, and keep your smile healthier.
- Preventative care and education
Regular dental visits are a great opportunity to get personalised oral health advice. From recommending the right toothbrush to exploring innovative new treatments like Invisalign and sharing tips for tooth sensitivity, you always learn something.
- Peace of mind
Your dentist will comprehensively examine your oral health. For a complete picture of your oral health, they may take X-rays as needed. These give your dentist a full picture of your teeth, gums and jawbones, and give you full confidence between check-ups.
Read more: Dental Anxiety and How We Make Your Comfort Your Priority.
What happens if you skip your regular check-up?
If you brush and floss as your dentist recommends, you might be tempted to stretch the time between visits. However, missing your recommended check-up date can lead to complications:
- Pain and discomfort as minor issues escalate
- Higher treatment costs and more invasive treatments
- Overall health issues caused by the well-established relationship between oral health and broader concerns
- Persistent bad breath due to built-up plaque and tartar
- Tooth loss caused by untreated decay
Bottom line? Staying consistent is worth it.
Why not book your next check-up while it’s on your mind? Our easy online booking system and conveniently located dental clinics in Vic Park, Cockburn, Port Coogee, Ocean Keys, Southern River and Innaloo ensure you can find an appointment that suits your schedule.
