How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Most people don’t like having to take time out of their day to make doctor’s office visits, but they are often necessary. You should consider making regularly scheduled visits to the dentist, instead of only making an appointment when something goes wrong. The truth is that those regular visits can often stop dental problems before they even get started. So… how often do you need to get into the dentist’s chair?
The truth is that you should visit your dentist every six months. Regular visits are very important to the health of your teeth and gums, even if you are implementing good oral health care at home.

• Tooth Decay – Even great brushing and flossing regimens can’t always stop tooth decay or enamel erosion. Regular dental services will catch small problems like cavities and repair them before they become bigger issues like tooth loss.
• Plaque Build-up – This sticky stuff that hardens and causes tooth decay, pain and gum issues needs to be removed by professional dental services before it causes extensive damage to the teeth and gums.
• Gum Disease – Many people have gingivitis and surprisingly, quite a few of them don’t even know it. Regular trips to your dentist can identify and treat gum disease before it can lead to bigger problems.
• Other Issues – Your dental services may also include quick exams for jaw and/or neck problems and your dentist may even be able to document damage from diseases like diabetes.

You should make a dental services appointment as soon as possible if it has been longer than six months since you’ve been seen, regardless of your dental hygiene regimen. Just because you don’t feel any pain or sensitivity doesn’t mean that you do not have possible dental issues and it’s always preferable to treat them as soon as possible.

Call Dr. Ritzau at 949-498-4110 for an appointment or consultation to get your teeth and that white smile into top shape!