How Often Should You Visit a Dentist?

For many people, the recommended number of dentist appointments a year should be around one to two visits. The number of times an individual may need to visit the dentist can vary depending on a few factors.

How often to schedule appointments

The general rule of thumb is for adults to visit a dentist about every six months. Many dental offices make this easy by allowing the patient to schedule their next appointment at the end of the latest appointment. The dentist's office may also send out reminders in the form of letters or text messages. Since it can be difficult to plan six months ahead, it is a good idea for a patient to try and schedule a time when they know they will be free, such as at the end of the workday or on a day off. If appointments need to be rescheduled, it is better to do so sooner rather than later to avoid any extra fees.

Circumstances where a person may need to go to the dentist more often include times when a problem is found in the teeth that need further treatment. These can be issues such as cavities that require the patient to return at a later date for fillings or similar assistance from the dentist.

How long do appointments take?

The typical dental appointment involves a cleaning with a dental hygenist and an examination by the dentist. Once a year, or every other visit for patients who are going every six months, a patient may have x-rays taken of their teeth. This helps the dentist track changes that may be occurring and catch any hard-to-see issues. This can add a small amount of time to the appointment. Cleaning time can vary depending on how much tartar and plaque have built upon the teeth. Generally, an appointment should only last about an hour or less. If it is a patient's first time visiting a particular dentist, he or she may need to spend some additional time filling out paperwork and making sure the new dentist is up to speed on the current condition of the teeth.

The benefits of regular appointments

Besides being a chance for a dentist to identify any problems with a patient's teeth that need attention, there are many more benefits to visiting the dentist regularly. In the short term, a professional cleaning can help the teeth feel smoother, remove some stains and discoloration, and make the breath fresher. In the long term, the removal of tartar helps prevent issues such as gum disease and cavities.