How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

Is Twice a Year Enough?

● Visiting the dentist twice a year works well for most patients, but where did that idea

come from?

● While dentistry has been practiced since Roman times, until the last half century, most

dentists focused almost exclusively on fixing problems, rather than prevention.

● Under that model, standardised treatment practices did not include a schedule for

regular visits.

Is Twice a Year Enough?

● Some sources say that a Pepsodent toothpaste ad was the first to suggest it. Others

say that soldiers, coming home from World War 2 spurred the dental community to

set the standard.

● Whatever the case, not all patients are best served by the twice a year model, here are

some things to consider.

Keep Your Specific Needs in Mind

● Not all patients face the same risk for dental complications. Those at a higher risk should set up an

individual schedule with their care provider that best suits their needs. Your need for regular

dental exams may also change throughout your lifetime.

● Patients that should consider a more frequent exam schedule, include:

○ Patients who smoke

○ Patients who currently suffer from gum disease

○ Diabetics

○ Anyone with compromised immune systems

○ Patients who are pregnant

Keep Your Specific Needs in Mind

● The key factor is maintenance of dental

hygiene and prevention of dangerous oral

conditions, such as gum disease and tooth

decay.

● Take the time to discuss your care schedule

with your dental professional - they know

your history and can recommend the best

course of action.

Is Skipping an Appointment an Option For You?

● While most dentists will want to see you every six months, for patients with good oral

hygiene, strong teeth, and few cavities, that may not be necessary.

● Talk to your dentist to determine if you really need an exam every six months.

● Following professional advice, from a care provider who knows your condition is the

best way to maintain your dental health.

Set an Appointment with Redbank Plains Dental

● If you need an appointment yourself, contact our Ipswich dentist today.

● We offer a wide range of General, Preventive, Restorative and Cosmetic treatments,

and focus on modern, advanced and effective care.

● We can serve your entire family, come down and see us!