How often do you really have to go to the dentist?

Transition to the dentist is essential for the prevention and detection of cavities, gum disease and other oral issues. But few people go enough: according to Last Federal Data, Only 65% ​​of adults had dental examinations or cleaning in the past year.

How often do you really have to visit the dentist? Here the experts of oral health say.

Why go at all?

Research shows a strong relationship between oral diseases and systemic. “Regular dental visits are critical for early detecting oral health problems before escalating or spreading to other parts of the body,” says Dr. Kemia Zeinali, founder of Dreamhouse Dental in Bell Gardens, California.

Read more: America’s dental health has a problem

Dentists also perform oral cancer screenings for people with risk factors or symptoms, which are “critical for catching such cancers early in their development,” says Dr. Prabha Krishnan, direct president of the New York Dental Association and a New York Dental Association. “Good oral health is the gateway to good general health.”

How many times a year should you go to the dentist?

Previously, the American Dental Union (ADA) informed people to visit the dentist every six months. But the Ada is now constituting That the right rate for controls and professional cleaning should be adapted to the needs of each person’s oral health, dictated by the patient’s age, health status and oral health conditions.

“While some people may need checks every six months, others with higher risk factors for dental diseases may need more frequent visits,” says Dr. Natasha M. Flake, president of the American Association of Endodontics. Experts agree that most adults benefit from seeing a dentist at least twice a year for preventive care and early detection of issues such as cavities and gum disease.

“The best way to determine how often you have to go to the dentist is to really go to the dentist,” Flake says. Your dentist can then make a personalized recommendation for you, based on your own oral health and risk factors.

Who needs more frequent visits?

Elderly adults are likely to benefit from the transition to the dentist more often. This is due to the fact that the risk of interrogating gums typically increases with age. “Many factors contribute to it, including changes in oral health, reduced saliva production and the likelihood of chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease, which can also affect gum health,” says Zeinali.

Many older adults have dental restorations or prosthetic, which are more difficult to clean and maintain. The least thorough cleaning increases the likelihood of gum disease. “Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your gum status, provide professional cleaning and suggest appropriate treatments,” he says. For this reason, if you have a history of illness or significant dental work, your dentist may recommend visits every three to six months, instead of the standard period of six months, Zeinali says.

Read more: The worst thing you should tell someone who is depressed

Other more vulnerable groups include people with a history of obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking – or those who have not been to the dentist for a long time. “For those who have neglected oral care for many years, two visits a year are likely to be enough,” he adds. “You will need more frequent professional cleaning by a dentist or dentist, as well as possible periodontal surgery or laser.”

And people with periodontal disease usually should go to the dentist more often than twice a year. “A dentist or periodontist can make a recommendation based on the severity of the gum disease and how well it is controlled,” Flake says.

Should people with dentures go to the dentist?

A common misconception is that people with full dentures do not need to go to the dentist, says Flake. Even if you do not have natural teeth, it is still important to regularly visit a dentist to examine soft tissues (gums) and temporomandibular joint and for evaluating any dentures.