Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining dental hygiene. Dental hygiene is the practice of keeping the teeth and gums free of decay and debris through home care and professional cleanings. If plaque and other debris are left unattended, they can cause dental problems like gum disease and cavities. Proper and timely dental care can also help with the management of associated health concerns like heart disease and diabetes.

That said, dentists believe that dental visits should be scheduled based on your individual oral hygiene condition, lifestyle, and medical conditions. This means that people at low risk of gum disease or cavities should be okay with annual visits, whereas high-risk individuals may need to a checkup every 3 to 4 months. These high-risk individuals include:

• Pregnant women
• Diabetics
• Smokers
• People with existing gum disease
• People at high risk of cavities
• People with weak immune response to bacterial infections

Even with proper at-home care of your teeth and gums, you need to visit a dental hygienist regularly.  Many dental problems don’t exhibit any symptoms, including pain and physical changes until they reach more advanced stages. Routine exams can help reveal early signs of gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer and initiate treatments.

The exam may include:

• Review of your history to identify changes in your health – stress, pregnancy, arthritis, new medications, etc.
• Examination of the teeth using a metal probe and small angled mirror. The dentist will check for tooth enamel softening, mouth sores, and redness or swelling of gums.
• Dental X-rays help to detect any issues below the surface of your mouth
• Assessment of your jaw joints and general oral cavity

Final Note

The frequency of dental exams will change during your lifetime. If your dentist determines that your at-home dental care routine is working well, your time between visits may be increased. Conversely, if you have stress, illness, or taking medications, more frequent visits may help to improve your health faster. Visit your dentist today for a comprehensive examination and to improve your smile.