How often do you and your family visit the dentist? Many people might answer that they have an annual cleaning, while others may say every six months. However, for many Americans, the answer is far less frequently, or not at all.
Seeing a dentist is important for more reasons than just good oral health and hygiene. Your dentist may be able to help you prevent or alleviate whole-body health concerns that begin with oral health, as well as make your smile whiter, straighter, and more attractive.
How much you visit the dentist should vary by age, as well as individual concerns. Here is a general guide to the frequency of dentistry in Kansas City appointments by age:
Babies and Young Children
Very young children should begin dental visits around the time of the eruption of the first tooth. After that, they can see the dentist annually, until the time when they begin to lose teeth.
Elementary School Children
Older children should see a dentist every six months. This will allow the dentist to watch for changes in their dentition and recommend interventions at home if necessary. They should also be monitored for the need for corrective braces at this time.
High School Children
Teenagers may need dental braces or other corrective measures. If so, they will need to see their dentist monthly to ensure that these are being kept clean and well-cared for. Otherwise, they may only need to see a dentist annually to ensure proper development as they near adulthood.
Adults
Adults should see a dentist once a year if they are not experiencing any issues. However, if they are dealing with pain, tooth loss, tooth decay, or other issues, they should see their dentist more frequently.
Other risk factors that increase the need for dentistry include smoking, drug and alcohol use, pregnancy, diabetes, and gum disease, or weakened immune systems.
Seniors
As people age, they may experience weakening, breakage, or loss of teeth. As such, it is important for seniors to see their dentist every six months, or more frequently if they are experiencing these problems. Business name care can help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible and maintain the health and appearance of your smile.
