How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

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There is no set rule as to how many times you should visit the dentist. This is because factors such as age, lifestyle habits and the condition of your oral health influence how frequently you need to attend.

How often should you go to the dentist?

We can approach this question in multiple ways. Let’s start with age. A child’s first dental appointment should be around the time a milk tooth appears, which is typically between 6 – 8 months old.

Then, we recommend taking your child to the dentist at least once a year, or as recommended by your paediatrician. This allows us to monitor the growth of their teeth and treat potential issues.

What about adults? Individuals with good oral health may only need to attend one appointment every 12 months. For patients with active issues such as gum disease, your appointments should be more frequent. Always follow your dentist’s guidance.

Children and teenagers: Every 6 to 12 months
Adults with good oral health: Every 12 months
Adults with active oral health issues: As often as every 3 – 6 months

Many people assume that you need to go to the dentist every 6 months, no matter your lifestyle habits or oral health. This isn’t necessarily true, nor is it false – your smile has its own unique needs. Your dentist will advise how many annual visits you need.

Who should go to the dentist more often?

As mentioned earlier, certain people need more time in the dentist chair per year. If any of the following apply, you may find yourself visiting on a more regular basis to keep your oral health in good condition.

You have active gum disease: This painful condition requires ongoing monitoring to help prevent serious issues (think tooth loss, jawbone deterioration).
You are pregnant: Hormonal changes may increase the risk of multiple problems, including gum disease.
You smoke: Whether it’s a cigarette or vape, this habit is one of the biggest contributing factors of tooth decay and gum disease.
You have a weak immune system: Certain conditions, like diabetes, can impact the body’s ability to heal, while making your teeth more susceptible to decay.
You are a child: Baby teeth have a thinner enamel than adult teeth, making them more prone to decay. Dental care also allows us to identify problems early.
You are prone to cavities: Regular check-ups and dental cleans are vital in the prevention of future cavities.

How often should you see a dental hygienist?

The standard guideline for adults with good oral health and a low risk of gum problems is every 6 months (alongside your routine dental appointments). Others may benefit from more frequent visits, who we listed above. So why should you see a hygienist?

Just one visit removes a substantial amount of plaque and tartar from the teeth. Hygienists are also able to remove surface stains, carry out oral cancer checks and provide preventative treatments that help to strengthen the enamel.

Why you shouldn’t avoid the dentist

We understand that, for many patients, visiting a dental clinic is an extremely intimidating task. However, avoiding the dentist can actually cause many issues, some of which are very serious.

Issue	Explanation
Increased risk of oral health problems	Without a dentist routinely checking your oral health, common issues such as tooth decay and gum disease often go undetected.
Increased fear of the dentist	Dentophobia is extremely common. Many patients will put off visiting the dentist due to their fears, but this can actually make the phobia more severe.
Increased spending	Leaving a dental issue to get worse instead of contacting your dentist may lead to more complex treatments in the future, many of which are expensive.
Your quality of life becomes affected	Aches and pains have the ability to significantly impact your sleep, diet and confidence in social settings. In some cases, pain will not go away by itself.
Serious health risks	Regular check-ups help to identify many oral health problems that can actually pose a risk to your health, including oral cancers and infections.

At Yorkshire Dental Suite, your comfort is our top priority

Since 2016, Yorkshire Dental Suite has been transforming the industry. We have a 4.9 star rating from over 9,000 Google reviews, showcasing our commitment to life-changing smile makeovers and unwavering patient support.

Gone are the days of cold, uninviting dental practices too – each of our clinics have been meticulously designed to feel like a visit to a luxurious spa instead. Plus, with nine practices located across the UK, you are never too far from dental excellence.

Finally, we have a team of industry-renowned dentists (each registered with the General Dental Council) and friendly front of house teams to ensure you have a safe, comfortable experience.

Conclusion:

Now we have identified how often do you need to see a dentist, ask yourself – when was the last time I had an appointment? Contact Yorkshire Dental Suite for a routine check-up or to enquire about specific dental treatments.