Oral Health 101: How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?

Everyone knows that it’s important to visit the dentist. Brushing and flossing your teeth at home doesn’t quite cut it! If you want good oral hygiene and a lower risk of disease, you should definitely make it a priority to visit the professionals.

But have you ever wondered how often you should be going? Along with seeing your family doctor and checking your eyes at the optometrist, it’s important to be consistent with your dental visits during every stage of your life. Keep reading to find out the answer!

What is a dentist?

A dentist is a healthcare professional who specializes in treating the mouth, teeth, and gums. One of the main goals of their work is to help their patients maintain good oral health. This includes performing hygiene cleanings to remove plaque and keep the teeth polished, as well as other procedures like filling cavities and extracting teeth if necessary.

There are other areas of dentistry that professionals can specialize in. Some examples include:

• Endodontics (which involves the inner tooth, such as root canals)
• Orthodontics (which involves straightening teeth, such as braces)
• Periodontics (which involves areas around the teeth, such as the gums)
• Prosthodontics (which involves the appearance of teeth, such as implants)

Some people think they should only visit a dentist when they have pain or are experiencing a dental emergency. This could not be further from the truth! Even if nothing feels wrong, it’s very important to get regular hygiene cleanings. Dentists can clean your mouth and teeth in specific, targeted ways that you can’t achieve at home. This prevents diseases (such as gingivitis) and helps you maintain good oral health for life.

How often should you go to the dentist?

So, how often should you be scheduling a dental visit into your calendar? The standard recommendation is once every six months. A lot of oral health issues can be asymptomatic, which means you could be dealing with a problem and not even know about it!

Dentists also have access to tools, such as x-rays, that reveal what’s below the surface. You could have an infection, cavity, or impacted wisdom tooth growing in which might only be visible using this technology. Visiting twice a year means that any potential issues will be caught early.

In-between visits, there’s still work to be done. You should brush your teeth twice a day, morning and night, and floss once a day. Food and bacteria can develop very quickly, and a good oral hygiene routine will minimize your risk of problems like gum disease.

How do I choose the best dentist?

Although dentists all meet the basic educational requirements, they’re not all created equal. At one clinic you might have a great experience with a dentist, at another – not so much. Here are four important things to consider when you’re looking for a dentist.

• Where they’re located. Unlike certain other forms of healthcare, dental visits must take place in person (and not virtually). You should consider how close a clinic is to your home or work to avoid long commutes. This is especially true in case you ever have a dental emergency and need to visit your clinic ASAP.
• How they treat their patients. No one gets excited to sit in the dentist’s chair. Although basic cleanings aren’t painful, you should still look for a dentist that prioritizes patient care. You’ll have a much better experience if you visit a dentist who makes sure you feel comfortable, safe, and well taken care of.
• What technology they use. Dental care has come a long way! You should always look for a clinic that uses modern, high-tech tools and equipment. For example, many clinics now use Invisalign clear aligners instead of traditional metal braces which are much more comfortable, non-invasive, and complementary to your lifestyle. Invisalign teeth straightening cost may just be a bit more expensive than the traditional metal braces.
• What they specialize in. If your family has a history of gum disease, for example, you might want to visit a dentist who specializes in periodontics.

These quick recommendations will help you narrow down your search and ultimately find the best dentist for your oral health needs! Doing research is an important step that will help you make the right choice.

Dentist Toronto

Don’t wait – if it’s been over six months since you last visited the dentist, you should book an appointment very soon! Maintaining good oral hygiene is important during all stages of life, and a year or two without a trip to the dentist could become costly (and painful) down the road.

You should book an appointment for a basic hygiene cleaning, and it’s also worth going if you have other dental concerns. Got a toothache? Jaw pain? Want to whiten and brighten your teeth? So, get exceptional care for your dental needs with a professional, thoughtful Dentist Toronto.

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