Most Australians have several years between their last visits to the dentist, even when regular check-ups are essential to maintaining oral health. Dental check-ups allow timely detection of oral diseases, especially effective against building tooth decay and gum diseases. Additionally, the dentist can treat problems early through non-invasive or prevention-based methods, and less reliance on complex treatments.
The typical twice-a-year recommendation to visit the dentist has been a good rule of thumb for many people, but everyone has different oral demands. Teeth are susceptible to complications depending on the individual’s oral hygiene, habits, and medical conditions. Hence, it is understandable that some people are visiting the dentist once or twice a year, while others are more punctual. Look for the best dentist St Kilda East has to offer and consult on when to schedule your next appointment for a dental checkup.
Globally, the standard recommendation is to visit the dentist every six months. Also, most insurance companies provide a maximum bracket of covering two check-ups per year. This frequency helps the dentist to catch the problem early and keep the treatments affordable. Then, two visits per year are adequate for all? No. While it is reasonable to practice good oral care with visits to the dentist every six months, some individuals need more oral care. You can find your dentist recommending a more frequent schedule if you are:
- Pregnant
Pregnancy is not an excuse for one to ignore the importance of dental check-ups. It is quite the opposite because pregnant women experience significant hormonal changes. This puts one at an increased risk for gum infections or severe oral conditions, like gingivitis. Regular dental check-ups will help you curb gingivitis and help your gums fight the infection. The dentist may recommend frequent check-ups if you are pregnant while also dealing with a history of gum diseases.
- A Patient Battling Cancer
The medications and treatments prescribed for cancer increase vulnerability to infections as it severely reduces white blood cell count. Moreover, it is advisable to keep regular dental check-ups before and while undergoing chemotherapy, as it may lead to further oral complications.
- A Diabetic Patient
People with diabetes should visit their dentists more frequently as the disease cause blood vessels to thicken and cuts down the flow of saliva. Dry mouth is a major reason for tooth decay, infections, ulcers, and soreness. Moreover, once the blood vessels are not able to properly carry nutrients, one can observe bacterial infection in their mouth. Regularly visiting the dentist will help an individual recover from bacterial infections timely and follow prevention methods.
In conclusion, the number of check-ups per year depends on personal cases of oral hygiene, medical conditions, and habits. Early treatments of oral complications will prove to be less costly, more comforting recovery, and less time in the clinic. Likewise, your in-home oral routine dictates a large factor on your dental health and should not be underestimated. Your dentist will make a fair assessment on how frequently you should come for check-ups as the prescribed time can change depending on the above-mentioned factors.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
