Even if you take good care of your teeth on your own, it’s still important to see your dentist on a regular basis. Dental care professionals use tools and techniques to offer a more thorough teeth cleaning than you can get at home. Perhaps more importantly, many oral health problems, like gum disease, don’t necessarily present any noticeable symptoms when they first start to develop. You need a professional to regularly confirm you’re healthy.

How Often Should I See the Dentist?

General Advice

The average patient should seek dental care once every six months. This is true even if you got a clean bill of oral health at your most recent appointment. Every time you eat anything, your teeth are potentially at risk of decaying. By scheduling regular visits with your dentist, you can be sure they’re free from damage.

Special Circumstances

There are instances in which a patient may need to make dental appointments more frequently than every six months. For example, if they’ve recently undergone a major dental procedure, their dentist may want to regularly monitor their recovery. Or, if a patient is at a greater risk of developing a certain oral health condition than the average person, it will be necessary to seek care more often. Some individuals are prone to developing certain disorders due to genetics, while others are at a greater risk of experiencing oral health conditions due to habits like smoking.

Most importantly, heed the advice of a professional when they tell you how often to schedule visits. Dental treatment is most effective when it starts early, before a minor problem becomes a major issue.

Looking for a reliable dentist in the Anchorage, AK, region? Get in touch with Chinook Family Dentistry, serving the community for more than 35 years. They offer everything from basic care to restorative treatments like crowns and bridges. Contact the office online to learn more about becoming a patient, or call (907) 272-8422.