When should you go to the dentist and how often?

Most people do not visit the dentist until and unless they have a dental emergency that forces them to go to the dental clinic. They’re compelled by a toothache, a painful abscess or a broken down tooth. Sadly, by the time they get to the clinic, it may be too late to save the tooth.

The problem which could have been prevented with a simple treatment will have progressed to an advanced stage, necessitating more complicated and expensive treatment, or indeed having no option but extraction of the tooth.

When should I go to the dentist?

Let’s look at some common signs that indicate you should visit your dentist:

Toothaches- A toothache may indicate a cracked or broken tooth, a cavity, an infection or even an abscess. It's essential to get it checked out before it turns into something serious.
Bad breath - Persistent bad breath that won't go away might be because of an underlying problem like gum disease, tooth decay, decreased salivary flow (dry mouth), dental abscess or even mouth cancer. You could be harbouring an excess of harmful bacteria on your teeth, gums and tongue, so make sure you get it examined by your dentist.
Gum disease- The most common sign of early gum disease is gums that bleed on brushing. Swollen, inflamed and red gums should be something you want to get checked by your dentist. If not treated well in time, gum disease can progress to advanced stages where the infection spreads to other body parts like the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, and even the reproductive organs.
Tooth sensitivity- Sensitivity to hot and cold means that the outer layer of your teeth has stripped away and exposed the nerves inside your teeth to the oral environment. In most cases, hypersensitivity discloses improper brushing techniques, habits like teeth grinding, or the presence of an eating disorder like bulimia and acid reflux. All of which need to be addressed before they strip away substantial chunks of your teeth.
Teeth wear- Flat chewing surfaces, craters near the gum line, and erosion on the inner surfaces of the teeth indicate tooth wear. The underlying cause has to be managed to prevent severe tooth damage.
Mouth Sores- Painful mouth sores can appear in the mouth for several reasons, the least concerning of which is toothbrush trauma. Other reasons for the development of mouth sores include viral and yeast infections in the body.
Facial swelling- A facial swelling can indicate a dental abscess that has gotten out of control. You must visit the dentist immediately to get the abscess treated.

When should I go to the dentist?

We recommend that you visit the dental clinic once every six months. Most of our adult patients attend with the dentist for examination once a year and with the hygienist every 6 months. This way, your dentist and hygienist work together to detect problems early on and recommend the appropriate treatment options for you. They will also be able to prevent future problems by giving you the proper preventative care. Depending on a person’s oral health, some people may need to attend every 3-4 months if their oral cavities are prone to gum disease or tooth decay. Chronic smokers, people with diabetes, immune-compromised individuals, and even pregnant women may need to come in more frequently as they are at higher risk of developing dental diseases. If left untreated, infections from the oral cavity can travel to the heart and worsen existing heart conditions, so people with heart problems should also visit their dentists more frequently.

How often should you go to the hygienist?

A dental hygienist specializes in preventive dental care. When you visit your hygienist, you are screened for dental problems like tooth decay, gum inflammation & bleeding, mouth sores, swellings, etc. Your hygienist will also evaluate whether you are following proper brushing and flossing techniques. Thus, regular visits to the hygienist ensure you are at the top of your dental health. Ideally, you should visit your hygienist every six months to intercept any dental or gum issues that could potentially turn into serious problems in the future.

At each hygienist visit, you will undergo routine teeth cleaning. This is necessary to maintain good oral health because home brushing and flossing may not be able to clean hard-to-reach areas of your teeth. Without professional teeth cleaning, there is a buildup of plaque and tartar in these areas, which leads to gum disease. With time, the gums draw away from the teeth, and the teeth become loose in their sockets. Therefore, frequent visits to the hygienist help protect you from developing gum disease. If you have existing dental crowns, bridges or dentures in place, you should consider visiting the hygienist every 3-4 months.