When you were a kid, your parents may have brought you to the dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. Now that you’re an adult, you may wonder if it’s necessary to go this frequently. Dr. Richard Wilczek’s dental office in Prince George is here to set the record straight.
How Often Should Kids See the Dentist? Bringing your kids to the dentist while they’re young will set them up for a lifetime of good dental habits. According to the Canadian Dental Association your child should see a dentist within six months of their first tooth appearing. You might be surprised to learn that many kids will have at least one cavity by the time they’re in kindergarten. To prevent this from happening to your child, bring them to see the dentist twice a year for a cleaning and to check for signs of dental decay. If their teeth are healthy, the dentist will suggest you come back in six months. But if it’s determined that your son or daughter is at risk for developing dental issues, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Regular Dental Visits for Healthy Adults Like kids, most adults should visit their dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on your teeth and harden into tartar. Only a dental professional can fully remove the layers of buildup on your teeth. At the same time, seeing your dentist regularly will allow them to monitor your mouth for other conditions that may develop over time, like gum disease. Risk Factors May Necessitate More Frequent Visits While people who are generally healthy should visit the dentist every six months, there are people who would benefit from visiting the dentist more often. People with diabetes or heart disease, smokers and pregnant women are more at risk for gum disease than others, and therefore should visit the dentist every three or four months. People who already have gum disease should also visit the dentist at this frequency, as should those who are prone to cavities. The best way to know if you need to visit your dentist more often is to ask. Make your dental hygiene a priority by visiting your Prince George dentist at least twice a year or more often if necessary. Call the clinic of Dr. Richard Wilczek today to make an appointment. Note that the frequency of dental visits covered by insurance can vary depending on the provider and patient. We do our best to maximize your dental coverage.