Dental FAQs: How Often Should You See a Dentist?

Are you putting off seeing the dentist? Afraid they're going to scold you for not flossing often enough? Or do you not even realize that you're overdue for an appointment?

Dentists are in charge of more than just your pearly whites. They look at your gum health as well.

Though almost no one follows through on this, you should see a dentist every six months in your adult years.

Most people don't know that and forget to schedule checkups on their oral health. But every six months is just an estimate. There are complications, lifestyle changes, and health risk that can increase the number of appointments you need per year.

We've listed some of them below.

Think you should be seeing your dentist more than twice a year? You might be right if you fit into the following categories.

1. You're a Smoker

Smoking is terrible for your all-around health. Most people talk about how it affects your lungs, but it can degrade your teeth and gums too.

Smokers are more prone to a degenerative gum disease called periodontitis - which can get very painful.

Not only that but smoking can lead to mouth/tongue/throat cancer, which a dentist can point out (and send you to a specialist for).

2. You Already Have Cancer

If you have and are being treated for cancer, it probably seems unfair that there's yet another appointment you need to go to. But you need to check in with the dentist during your treatment.

When you have cancer your immune system is weakened, which can lead to oral infections. The treatment process is also dehydrating, so you may be combating dry mouth.

Thankfully dry mouth, unlike cancer, is easy to treat.

3. You're Pregnant

If you're pregnant you probably feel the same way about appointments. In that, you really don't know if you can fit in another one.

But you need a pregnancy dental exam, usually only once during your pregnancy. Your dentist will check for gum inflammation from the pregnancy hormones.

That's called gingivitis - and it can develop into a more serious condition if not treated.

4. You Have Heart Disease

You know what are two seemingly unrelated health issues usually diagnosed together? Mouth or gum issues and heart disease.

If your dentist notices certain issues in your mouth, they can save you from having a heart attack, in the future. It's not a promise, but if you see the dentist regularly they can screen you for heart issues through your mouth.

If they notice anything suspicious they'll recommend you go see a heart specialist, who can give you an exam and any necessary treatment.

5. You Have Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk for oral health issues, like gum disease. You're also at a higher risk of developing oral fungal infections - which are about as fun as they sound.

Tell your dentist your diabetes diagnosis and ask them how often they'd like to see you.

6. You're HIV Positive

If you've tested positive for the HIV virus or it's developed into AIDS, you need to see the dentist. Your lower immune system puts you at risk of developing oral infections.

You may also have faster tooth decay than other non-HIV positive people.

7. You're in Pain

If you're having issues with your teeth or gums, don't wait for your next scheduled appointment. Try to figure out what the root of the issue is - like if you flossed too aggressively and gave yourself sore gums.

If it's something that won't go away on its own (like sore gums from over flossing) go see the dentist! It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your teeth.

If a tooth or an implant feels loose, don't delay - sometimes we can save the tooth - but only if we catch it early enough.

8. You've Experienced Face Trauma

If you ate it at the skate park or just fell and hit your head/face, you should probably come in. Especially if you hit your chin or lower cheek.

That impact could have damaged your teeth, cracking, chipping, or even loosening a few of them. See your general doctor (or go to the ER) first, though.

Your immediate health is more important than checking for cracked teeth (in that situation).

9. Newly Sensitive Teeth

If your teeth are sensitive to temperatures all of a sudden, you may have an enamel problem. Or it could be an issue with just one tooth.

A lot of oral pain radiates around the mouth.

Either way, you need to come to see the dentist. Pretty much any acute and noticeable change is a good reason to give us a call.

Our staff is trained, so they'll be able to tell you if your issue is worth making an appointment or not.

Children need to see their dentist every six months or so as well. Usually, we don't see an issue with parents bringing their children in twice a year.

We do see parents bringing their child in late, though. Just because your child doesn't have teeth yet doesn't mean their oral health isn't important.

Your child should see a dentist before their first birthday, then every six months after that.

Now that you know how often should you see a dentist, you need to find one you like. That means someone that can take care of both you and your children at the same appointment (or at least in the same office).

We'd like to be that dentist for you. We're trained in children's dentistry and we love working on mini-smiles.

Need more information? Here's why you should trust our dental training.