How often should I see my dentist?

Posted by InvictusPublishing on August 28th, 2019

"When was the last time you saw a dentist?" It's the question I am always asked in the dentist chair when I need dental treatment because I felt pain, or am sensitive to food temperature like ice cream. Basically, I go to the dentist when I need to see one and it makes sense. or so I think. 

If I'm being honest, I always feel a bit ashamed of my answer because it is generally way over what any dentist in Australia recommends: 6 months. So now, why should I see a dentist every 6 months? Even when I feel fine and don't necessarily feel like spending on my dental health this month. 

Why 6 months to begin with? it is the safest time that allows for early detection, should you have anything serious on the way. For example, detecting a cavity in its early stage is a lot better than letting it develop and have your tooth decaying to the point it isn't treatable and end up with a crown. The consequences are hefty, both for your health and for your purse. 

It's worth pointing out that even if you feel nothing wrong, it doesn't mean you are healthy. Small decay isn't necessarily felt and slightly bleeding while you brush your teeth might seem normal to you. you will generally feel discomfort once your issue has taken a significant proportion. This can lead to an unnerving conversation with your dentist about teeth extractions, implant replacements, root canals, or any other complex and costly treatments.

It's also all about prevention and not reaction. Going to the dentist every 6 months might mean that you never have a dental issue. It's partly due to the fact that during your regular dental check-up you will receive advice on how to take care of your teeth. For example, your dentist might see your gum are a little bit inflamed will find out with thorough questioning and will end up telling you how to treat this - generally it is about the way you brush your teeth, how often you floss and what type of toothpaste/toothbrush you use. 

You might even have to see the dentist every 3 to 6 months if you have had recent problems and need to keep a close eye on the way your teeth are healing. People who should go every 3 months are people who: 
- keep on eating sugary foods and drinks, leading to regular tooth decay and treatment
- recent serious tooth decay
- Missing teeth - if you are missing teeth or recently got a tooth extracted
- suffer from dry mouth - dry mouth leads to a ton of dental problems like decay which need to be caught early on
- smoke regularly and heavily
- pregnant women
- diabetics
- currently, suffer from gum disease 
- have a weakened immune system and prone to bacterial infection

As much as it can be daunting, a lot of dentists have tried really hard to make the experience a lot more enjoyable and less stressful. The more you go, the less you'll need invasive treatment unless it is an emergency, and the more comfortable your check-ups will be.

Now, the next embarrassing question I hate being asked at the dentist is how often do you floss, but that is another story!