When was the last time you went to the dentist? Six months ago? One year? Several years? Does it really matter how often you visit the dentist? Read on to see how you measure up in comparison to the average American. An ADA (American Dental Association) and Crest/Oral-B public survey on America’s Oral Health Care reveals how Americans as a whole view the importance of visiting the dentist:
  • Just over half of Americans (54%) say they visited their dentist at least twice in the past 12 months.
  • One in five (20%) reports going to the dentist just once.
  • One in four (25%) reports not visiting the dentist at all last year.
  • Although 83% of Americans say their dentist is their primary source of information on oral care practices, a significant portion say they haven't discussed their oral health issues with a dental professional.
This reports shows that many Americans need to brush up on their oral health habits. What about you? Where does your view of the dentist fit into these statistics? How Often Should You Go To The Dentist? Don't postpone visiting the dentist until you're experiencing discomfort or problems with your oral health. The purpose of regular dental visits involves preventing serious issues from developing, and maintaining your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.   As a rule of thumb, the ADA recommends visiting your dentist for professional cleanings and a check-up twice a year, and this dental scheduling works well for most people. We may suggest visits that are more or less frequent depending on factors such as how well your teeth and gums are cared for, along with other varying factors involving your oral health. High Risk Factors If you have a high risk of developing dental disease you may need to visit your dentist more often, perhaps every 3-4 months. You may be included in this high risk category if you:
  • Smoke.
  • Currently have gum disease.
  • Are a diabetic.
  • Experience a high buildup of plaque or tend to get cavities.
  • Possess a weak immune response to bacterial infections.
Other factors such as hormonal changes (pregnancy), stress, and illness can also the need to increase the frequency of your dental visits. At your next check-up, we can help you to arrange the best schedule for you and the needs of your smile. Regular visits can allow us to discover issues you may not even feel or see, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early diagnosis allows us to treat the issues before they can become more extensive and painful. This promotes better health and can save you time, money, and even your life. Happy, healthy teeth and gums are a great way to keep the family smiling together. Contact us today to book an all-important dental cleaning and examination for the whole family. Leave a comment Dr. Giesy, your top Tacoma dentist: Do you go to the dentist regularly? If not, what's the main reason that's keeping you from doing so?