25 Sep How Often Do You Actually Need to Go to the Dentist?
A lot of times, people think that they don’t need to go to the dentist as long as their teeth seem healthy. But the fact is, if you start skipping your checkups, you’re only giving tartar and plaque more time to do damage. You’re also missing out on all sorts of preventive treatments that help keep cavities and gum disease away. So how often should you be going to the dentist? You likely already know the answer: at least once every six months.
Why Is Going to the Dentist Every Six Months Necessary?
Even if you always leave your checkups cavity-free, going to the dentist every six months is still a good idea.
Regular checkups help us spot the early signs of dental problems so we can treat them right away. For instance, if we notice that your molars are showing signs of teeth grinding, we can give you a mouth guard that prevents further damage. Or if your gums are tender and swollen, we can provide ozone therapy to fight the infection and help them heal before gum disease takes hold.
If you already have gum disease, you may need to visit the dentist more often. Gum disease will only get worse over time, but extra teeth cleanings and preventive treatments can halt its progression. If you skip your dental appointments, you could suffer permanent damage like receding gums, cavities along the gum line, and infections that cause bone loss and tooth loss.
Children should visit the dentist at least twice a year, as well. Their exams help us track their dental development and prevent painful problems like tooth decay and gingivitis. Establishing good brushing habits, pushing healthy snacks, and scheduling regular checkups are the best ways to keep your kids’ teeth healthy.
How Long Can You Go Without Seeing a Dentist?
If you eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugar and you brush and floss every day, you might be able to get away with checkups only once a year. But even the best at-home oral hygiene routine isn’t enough. You’ll still need in-office teeth cleanings to remove tartar from below the gumline and any other places your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
It’s a good idea to get dental x-rays once a year as well. These diagnostic images show us if there have been any shifts in the alignment of your teeth, any loss of bone density in your jaw, or any hidden tooth decay.
Going to your checkups can actually help you spend less time in the dentist’s chair. When we treat dental problems in their early stages, we can prevent the need for invasive procedures like root canals or gum grafts entirely.
At Prescott Dentistry, we will always try to prevent procedures like crowns that mean removing all but the base of the tooth. Our biomimetic dental materials can help us preserve your natural teeth, even if they are badly decayed.
Are You Avoiding the Dentist’s Office?
If you have dental insurance, you should use it. Most plans will cover 100% of your exams and cleanings, so going to the dentist will only cost you a little time. If you don’t have dental insurance, your best option is to sign up for a financing program like CareCredit. That way you can get the care you need, and make small monthly payments instead of paying the entire cost up front.
If you’re avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, we understand. Overcoming anxiety isn’t easy, but unless you can get past your fears, your dental health will start to suffer. We’ll do our best to put you at ease and help you relax. If you want to bring a weighted blanket or a noise-canceling headset, that’s fine by us. Just let us know how we can make you feel more comfortable.
Holistic Dental Care in Prescott
As holistic dentists, prevention is a very important part of what we do. Although we’ll be here to fix any problems that arise, we’d rather stop those problems from happening in the first place. That’s why we always encourage our patients to visit us every six months. Regular exams are the best way to keep cavities and gum disease away.
If you’re due for a checkup, don’t put it off! Make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry today.
Photo by 2H Media on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/5/25.