How Often Should You Really Visit the Dentist?

Routine dental visits are essential to maintaining oral health. Even if you feel fine and are not experiencing any tooth pain or discomfort, you should still make it a point to see a dentist regularly. After all, dental checkups are often the best way to detect developing problems like cavities, gum disease or even oral cancer. To maintain your dental health and catch such serious issues early, here is how often you should be visiting your local dentist.

Recommended Dental Checkup Frequency

While CDC recommends at least one dental checkup a year, it is best to visit your dentist once every six months. Most dental insurance plans will cover two oral health exams a year, including X-rays and a thorough cleaning. Two cleanings a year will help remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can ultimately lead to cavities and gum disease.

However, two dental visits a year may not necessarily suffice for everyone. Those with a family history of oral diseases, such as cancer, may need checkups more frequently to monitor their issue. And sudden changes in dental health, such as a chipped tooth or swollen and bleeding gums, will most always require an additional visit to the dentist. If your dentist determines that you’re prone to other oral health issues, such as gum problems or staining, they may also recommend you come in more often.

Benefits of Routine Dental Visits

A thorough cleaning for your teeth isn’t the only good reason for a routine dental visit. There are several advantages of frequently visiting your dentist, including:

• Detecting problems before they advance: Oftentimes, people won’t notice issues with their dental health until it becomes painful. However, this often means that the issue has progressed to a serious stage that will require extra care and treatment. Dentists are trained to spot warning signs of oral health issues, especially before they have the chance to develop. This leads to proactive treatment and care, which will ultimately be less intense and more cost-efficient.
• Cancer screenings: During your dental cleaning, your dentist isn’t just looking for tooth decay – they can also screen for mouth, head and even neck cancers. If these serious diseases are caught early on, you have a higher chance of receiving effective treatment that gives you positive results.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup with Dr. Eddie Orobitg

When choosing a dentist, you’ll want a professional that has the experience and reputation of being a trusted community provider. If you’re in the Leesburg, Florida, area, visit Dr. Eddie Orobitg, D.M.D, to keep your smile healthy. Dr. Orobitg has treated the local community with quality dental health checkups and restorative procedures for more than 20 years, reducing dental discomfort with maximum treatment. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, discomfort or pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Orobitg today by calling 352-787-5919.