How Often Should I Visit The Dentist?

26/05/2021

Regular dental visits to your dentist are important. This will allow early detection of problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. With routine dental checkups, preventative strategies can be created to suit the individual patients needs and maintain good oral health. These regular dental meetings will also allow early management of small dental problems and prevent these conditions from becoming a more serious complication that can lead to invasive and expensive treatment. Early detection makes dental treatment much easier for the patient. At iSmile Dentistry, we often get asked ‘how often should I visit the dentist?’ We recommend a visit every six to twelve months to help monitor your oral health. This time frame will vary according to your individual dental health status. During your visit with us, we will examine your entire mouth, record your findings, identify any dental problems, and discuss a management plan. We will also advise you how often a checkup is necessary.

How Often Should Children Visit The Dentist?

The Australian Dental Association recommends that children have their first general check-up before their first birthday. Low risk children, as identified during their first check-up, should schedule an appointment at least once a year, while other children may need to be monitored every three to six months. Other important things that are checked during the examination include infant feeding patterns, habits like thumb sucking and bite (orthodontic) problems.

How Often Should Adolescents Visit The Dentist?

The time of adolescence presents a vast range of oral health hazards including soft drink and alcohol consumption and smoking. Teenagers also have a poor track record of brushing their teeth regularly, with 45% of adolescents brushing their teeth less than twice per day. Regular visits are also beneficial to monitor their bite and assess if orthodontic treatment (braces) is required. As with children, adolescents with a low risk of tooth decay should visit the dentist at least once a year, while those at higher risk may need a general check-up every three or six months. Regularly dental check-ups are vital during early teenage years to ensure good, stable oral health which will serve them in the many years ahead.