In addition to good oral hygiene habits, regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. But just how often do you need to see the dentist to keep your smile shining? This depends on various factors, from your dental history to other health conditions you may be living with.

A Common Baseline for Dentist Visits

For most patients, it’s enough to see a dental healthcare professional every six months. This gives you a chance to get a thorough professional teeth cleaning, removing bacteria and plaque buildup that you may not be able to address at home.  It’s also an opportunity to check for any changes in your oral health.

Certain issues like cavities and periodontal disease are easiest to treat if diagnosed in the early stages. The problem is that they often don’t exhibit noticeable symptoms until later. With a thorough dental exam, your dentist can catch them before they progress in severity.

When More Frequent Visits Are Needed

Certain individuals should see their dentist more often than twice a year. This includes smokers, pregnant women, diabetics, and those living with autoimmune conditions. If you have a history of gum disease or are currently experiencing the condition, you also fall into this category.

Keep in mind that your dental care needs may change over time. If you develop issues with your teeth and gums at any point, you may require more regular checkups—but it’s not necessarily permanent .The best way to determine how often you should visit the clinic is to touch base with your dentist.

Enterprise Dental Associates provides top-quality dentistry services to residents of Enterprise, AL, and the surrounding areas. Over their more-than-37 years of experience, these professionals have built a reputation for gentle and attentive patient care. Whether you need a dental implant or are curious about teeth whitening, they will be happy to answer your questions. You can learn more about their dedicated team online. To make an appointment and meet the dentists in person, call (334) 347-9564.