When friends or family members mention the fact that they rarely go to the dentist, supportive responses tend to abound. This is because visiting the dentist has over time developed a negative stigma. Perhaps you had a bad experience at the dentist as a child or have heard of horror stories from those closest to you. Owing to these experiences, many people will avoid visiting the dentist if at all possible.
You may be wondering, are regular visits to the dentist really necessary? What might the advantages of visiting the dentist regularly really be?
The Ideal Timetable for Dental Visits
Many people are really unsure about how often they need to visit the dentist. The ADA, or American Dental Association, suggests that bi-annual dental checkups are ideal. Keep in mind that this timetable is a blueprint. Once you begin visiting your dentist regularly, he or she may recommend an alternative schedule that better suits your needs.
So, if you have a generally healthy mouth, your dentist may suggest that you visit him or her only once per year. However if your dentist deems your mouth as one that is high-risk—being at risk for different dental diseases—you may need to visit your dentist as often as every three months. What does it mean to have a high-risk mouth? The following are certain conditions that may render your mouth more at risk than others:
- Diabetes
- Periodontal or gum disease
- Smoking
- Exhibiting a weak response to bacterial infections
- A track record of plaque buildup and dental cavities
Reasons to Begin Visiting the Dentist More Regularly
Although Americans are encouraged to visit the dentist at least twice annually, the fact remains that not very many people actually follow through with this advice. If you are someone who often opts out of dental visits, here are some factors that may encourage you to change this behavior.
- Regular dental checkups allow you to detect dental problems at the earliest possible moment.
- Your oral health is closely linked to your general health. By tending to your teeth, you afford your body a better chance at optimal health.
- Dental checkups help you maintain a great aesthetic for your mouth: keeping your smile as bright and beautiful as possible.
People everywhere can benefit from visiting their dentist more regularly. Make an effort to speak to your dentist about developing a schedule that works well for you and then remember to stick to it. Use resources such as http://www.abigailrollinsdmd.com for more information and assistance.
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