Big, small, crooked, or straight your smile is a part of you. At this point, you may even consider your teeth a part of the family, but are you treating them like family? Only 63% of adults prioritize dental visits, leaving an astounding 37% of smiles left untreated.
Why is the above fact so important? Neglecting your teeth can lead to plaque build-up, tooth decay, gum disease, and more. If you’re worried, don’t be; scheduling regular appointments with your dentist will keep you out of the 37% and save your smile.
But how often should you go to the dentist, and how do you schedule an appointment? If you’re new to the dental care world and need an answer to the following questions (and more), keep reading. Everything you need to know is waiting below.
How Often Should You Go to the Dentist?
On average, adults should visit the dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, your teeth will more than likely be cleaned and evaluated by your dentists. If you do have any abnormalities or cavities threatening your smile, you will need to schedule a third appointment to correct your teeth.
If you cannot get in to see your dentist twice a year, make your annual dentist visit imperative. A lot can happen in a year to both you and your teeth.
You should also note that if you are genetically prone to cavities, have gum disease, take certain medications, smoke, or are pregnant; your dental provider may recommend monthly or quarterly visits. This is because patients with the above features are more likely to develop oral issues at a faster rate. Frequent dental check-ups will keep the issues from impacting your life/smile.
What About Kids?
You should begin taking your children to the dentist as soon as their baby teeth grow in. After their first appointment, your child’s dentist will need to see them twice a year to check their tooth growth and oral hygiene. These first dental appointments are important for your child’s development and decrease their chances of fearing the dentist as they grow up.
Similar to yourself, if you notice any abnormalities in your child’s teeth, call their dentists and schedule an earlier appointment. The earlier you catch oral issues in kids, the better chance you have at correcting them.
Maintaining Clean Teeth in Between Visits
Maintaining a healthy smile requires work in between teeth cleanings and cavity fillings. In the case that you need to cancel your dental appointment or cannot get in for a while, your at-home hygiene will keep your teeth in proper condition. An acceptable dental routine consists of brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Write/print out its steps on a piece of paper, or set an alarm if you need an extra reminder to begin your routine.
Going the Extra Mile
Want to take your oral hygiene to the next level? You can start by avoiding acidic drinks (juices, lemonade, etc.), quitting smoking, and cutting sweets. Stopping the above activities will lower your chances of developing cavities and other oral diseases.
You can also talk to your dentist and ask for more tips on boosting your oral care.
Scheduling a Dentist Appointment
If it’s been a while since your last tooth cleaning, and you’ve forgotten how to schedule a dental appointment, relax; it’s like riding a bike. First, you’ll need to find a dentist in your area. Ask a friend, call your mom, do a quick internet search, or read a few online reviews until you find the best dental practice for you.
Once you’ve selected a dentist, reach out to their office through their website or a phone call. You’ll then talk to a secretary and find the best time for your appointment. After you’ve selected the right time and date, you’re good to go until appointment day!
Remember to let your dentist know as soon as possible if you need to cancel your appointment. A proper head up will give the office time to make the right adjustments to your appointment time.
Preparing for a Dentist Appointment
To allow your appointment to go as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you should do to prepare. If you are undergoing a procedure, call your dentist beforehand and ask if you’ll undergo sedation or laughing gas. If the sedative used is strong, you may need to find a driver to bring you home afterward.
You should also inform your doctor of any medical diagnosis (such as heart conditions) before your appointment so they can make the proper accommodations.
The same rule goes for any anxieties or concerns you have about the visit. Communicate your fears/questions to your dentist. They can discuss the procedure with you and offer calming techniques to try during the appointment.
Lastly, make a list of moth, tooth, or gum-related problems you’ve noticed since your last visits. These issues may include tooth chips, tooth pain, jaw aches, gum bleeding, and more. Share your list with your dentist so they can pay extra attention to any problem areas.
Looking for a Dentist in Texas?
Now that you have an answer to the age-old question, “how often should you go to the dentist? , it’s time for you to take the next step and schedule a dentist appointment. If you’re looking into dentists near Katy Tx. or its surrounding areas, consider our services at Katy’s Gentle Dentists. Our dental team is dedicated to giving satisfactory dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, whitening, and more while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
Visit our website to meet our proud Texas dentists, learn about our services, or schedule an appointment as soon as today. We look forwards to seeing you and your smile soon!