When it comes to dental health, prevention is essential. That’s why regular visits to the dentist are important for every family member in addition to maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home. Dental health issues can often arise long before you notice any pain or other symptoms. But exactly how often should you visit the dentist and is it different for children and adults?
How Often Adults Should Book Dental Appointments
Generally speaking, you should book a dental appointment at least every six months to a year. The truth is that everyone has different dental health needs as well as different risk levels of developing dental health problems. The frequency of your dental appointments should be personalised based on that. This is something you can discuss with your dentist when you go in for a checkup.
How Often Should Kids Visit the Dentist?
It’s most convenient for your family to visit the dentist together. Fortunately, the frequency of dental visits for children is typically the same as for adults unless they have special requirements. For example, children and teenagers are more likely to require orthodontic treatment, which means they need to visit more frequently. Even if your children have pristine dental health, regular visits are a great way to help them feel more comfortable at the dental clinic, setting them up for a lifetime of good dental health practices.
Why Are Regular Visits to the Dentist So Important?
Regardless of the precise frequency, regular check-ups are essential. The professional dental cleaning you receive during your regular checkups is incredibly effective at removing plaque, tartar and staining, ensuring your mouth remains healthy and fresh. Dental cleans remove hardened plaque (calculus) your toothbrush can’t remove, helping to prevent gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist substantially lowers your risk of having a dental health problem in the first place.
They also give your dentist the chance to check your mouth for any signs of dental health problems such as cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, orthodontic issues and oral cancer. Early intervention is crucial if any of these problems are discovered. Treatment options for dental health issues when caught early are much easier, faster and affordable. Dentists can offer specific tips and advice for improving your oral hygiene at home during your check-up.
How Often Do Australians Visit the Dentist On Average?
Despite ongoing pleas for people to visit the dentist regularly, too many Australians neglect their dental health. A National Dental Telephone Interview Survey in 2010 revealed that only 55.5 per cent of adults had visited a dentist in the preceding 12 months. Children and seniors tended to visit the dentist more often while young adults are much more likely to avoid it only to regret it later when dental health problems start to occur.
Book an Appointment Today at King Street Dental
At King Street Dental, we offer high quality general and specialised dental care services to people of all ages from our clinic in Templestowe. Our professional and friendly team of dentists have extensive experience with everything from dental cleans and teeth whitening to dental implants and orthodontic treatments.
Book an appointment today by calling (03) 8842 4506 or contact us online.