We get this question all the time at Gover and Gover Dentistry, “How often should I go to the Dentist?” Unfortunately, it usually comes from the person who has been putting it off for way too long.
Hi Dr. David Gover here. I practice dentistry in Raleigh NC, but our patients also come from Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, Apex and Morrisville. Myself and Dr. Susan Gover practice general dentistry with a special interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We employ a great team of hygienists and assistants eager to make you comfortable with your dental experience and help you with any oral care needs you may have. Our office, including our patients, is like one big family.
As the lead-in says, we’re frequently asked, “How often should I go to the dentist? Our best answer is, “That depends.”
Most often you will hear every 6 months. However that idea originated over 50 years ago from a marketing campaign by a toothpaste company in order to get dentists to recommend their product. Probably not what you thought, huh?
So how frequently should we see you at the dentist? It turns out twice a year for most patients is about right, but every patient is different. Some can go a little longer, others can’t. Some have such serious issues they need monthly visits. Basically the recommendation has to be tailored to the individual patient.
There are a number of factors to consider when setting up the ideal time interval for dental exams and teeth cleaning.
Periodontal Disease
The big concern with infrequent cleanings in addition to the potential for tooth decay is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is quite common in people over age 45. Those who are prone to gum disease need to be seen every 3 to 4 months. This is basically the condition where plaque builds up behind and between teeth at the gum line and then the gums get irritated. It starts as gingivitis which is a mild form of gum disease resulting in red, swollen and irritated gums. Cleaning will take care of this. But if left unchecked for an extended period of time, it can become a serious problem leading to the more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis.
In this more advanced stage of gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth and create “pockets” around the teeth that become infected. The body’s immune system kicks in to fight the bacteria as plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. The toxins released by the bacteria as well as the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Ultimately, if left untreated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed over time.
Crown and Bridge Work
Also if a patient has a lot of “hardware” (just kidding we never call it that) crown and bridge work in their mouth, we will recommend to see these people more frequently. Many of our patients think that once they have had a tooth crowned that it will not decay. Unfortunately, that’s not so. Decay is still possible at the point where the crown or cap meets the tooth itself. Thus regular cleaning is very important.
Medications Can Cause Dry Mouth
Every year we watch as more and more people become steadily dependent on some form of medication. It’s a fact of life now. What we are learning is that many of these prescribed medications cause dry mouth and/or change the acidity in the mouth. This situation can lead to accelerated decay in someone who otherwise has never experienced much decay in the past. So the “twice a year” rule may not apply if you are taking medications. It is definitely something to discuss with your dentist and maybe consider increasing the frequency of your exams and cleanings.
Of course if you have any questions regarding the frequency of your dental visits or find yourself thinking, “How often should I go to the dentist?” don’t hesitate to call us at our Raleigh dental office at 919-782-9516. We’re glad to help answer any of your dental health questions.
