When you have good oral hygiene and aren’t experiencing immediate issues with your dental health, it’s easy to forget about booking regular check-ups with your dentist.
It appears that many of us are in the same boat, and according to new research, three-quarters of UK adults (which is roughly 41 million people!) are not visiting an oral health professional as part of their routine.
But how often should you go to the dentist if you have healthy teeth?
Whether you’re avoiding your appointment out of anxiety, cost concerns, or a simple case of forgetfulness, the team at Kiln Lane reveal how often you should be booking in for your dental checkups.
Why are regular dental check-ups so important?
Going to the dentist regularly is vital for a number of reasons, including:
- Preventive care and cleaning ‒ Professional teeth cleaning with your dentist removes stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be removed with daily brushing, which helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities.
- Maintaining oral hygiene habits ‒ During your appointments, dentists can provide personalised advice on brushing and flossing your teeth to help you maintain your oral health at home.
- Early detection of oral health problems ‒ At your dental appointments, your dentist will scan for oral cancer and use X-rays to detect hidden decay, bone loss, or impacted teeth.
- Protection of overall health ‒ Poor oral health has been linked to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and strokes.
- Potential cost savings ‒ Treating minor dental issues, like mild decay, early is much more affordable than having to address advanced tooth decay or tooth loss later down the line.
So, how often should you visit the dentist?
Most people assume that they should go for routine check-ups every six months, and whilst this is true for many patients, some may need to visit more or less frequently than others, based on individual oral health, individual risk factors, and advice from dentists.
If you have a history of significant dental decay or gum disease, or if you’re pregnant, or have dental implants, you should schedule check-ups every 3-4 months.
Six-monthly check-ups are standard and generally recommended for individuals with healthy teeth and gums to maintain check-ups and professional cleanings.
What happens at a dental check-up?
During a check-up with our dental professionals at Kiln Lane, we’ll carry out a thorough examination of your mouth, which includes checking the health of your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips. We’ll look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, mouth cancer, and other potential problems, using a small metal instrument to help us get a proper look.
We may also take X-rays to see what’s happening inside your teeth and gums, and gain a clear view of any issues that can’t be seen with a visual examination alone, to help us determine whether you need any additional dental treatment. Plus, if there’s a buildup of plaque on your teeth, we’ll professionally clean them to remove hardened plaque and stains.
Our dentists will also share personalised advice, including brushing techniques, flossing tips, or support to quit smoking if you need it, to help you keep on top of your oral hygiene at home.
Book your next dental visit at Kiln Lane!
Ready to book your next dental check-up?
Whether you’re organised and on top of booking them regularly, or it’s been a while since your last visit to the dentist, our dental experts at Kiln Lane would be happy to help you achieve the happiest, healthiest version of your smile.
To find out more about how we can help, get in touch with our reception team today by calling 01744 25776, or book your appointment online today!