Do You Really Need a Dental Checkup Every 6 Months?

When it’s about visiting a dentist, the world is split into two schools of thought. 

Number 1: those who recommend visiting a dentist when you experience a dental problem.

Number 2: those who say dental checkup every 6 months saves you from bigger, unforeseen issues. 

Naturally, it creates confusion with questions like:

• Do you have to go to the dentist?
• Do you really need a dental checkup every 6 months?
• How long do dentist appointments take?
• What is the difference between routine checkups and dental treatments?

This blog answers all your queries.  

First, let’s differentiate between dental checkups and dental treatments. 

Difference Between Dental Checkups and Dental Treatments

Simply put, dental treatments are scheduled on a need basis. 

So, everything from tooth fillings, tooth extractions, scaling, root canals, and other procedures come under dental treatment. 

On the other hand, dental checkups are routine visits for examination and general cleaning. Your dentist will check for potential issues that might threaten your overall hygiene.

When Do You Need a Dental Checkup?

Although it’s advisable to visit a dentist twice a year, several factors determine if you need an early visit. 

Factors that Decide You Need a Visit to the Dentist

Your Lifestyle

Your lifestyle marks the primary factor. Therefore, if you’re a chain smoker or a habitual drinker, it means increased susceptibility to oral diseases. 

According to studies, people who drink alcohol are 3 times more likely to experience teeth loss than the average person. 

High use of tobacco is also associated with common oral diseases like plaque, cavities, and periodontal issues. 

Your Approach Towards Oral Hygiene

The modern world is tuned to ‘You Only Live Once.’ 

Just like that, you only have one mouth, face, and three-two teeth to cherish for a lifetime. Therefore, it’s highly significant to take care of your oral hygiene. 

A careless approach can land you in the dentist’s office for treatments, unlike when you are dedicated to your health. However, routine dental checkups would suffice when you commit to keeping your mouth clean.

Access to Preventative Measures

Preventative measures include accessing a competent dentist and getting your dental and oral hygiene needs attended to. That means it no longer has to be a question of ‘do you have to go to the dentist?’ Instead, it’s about the frequency.  

When you can frequently visit a dentist, it automatically makes way for healthier gums and teeth, with your dentist taking care of the minor issues beforehand. 

You can find the best dentists in Ibiza here to schedule appointments without delay. 

Family History

Although diet and frequency of sugar intake are the most common causes of dental problems, genetics is a viable factor. 

Biological elements might be playing their part if you find cavities often or with a plaque accumulation that won’t go away with regular teeth brushing. 

In turn, you’ll have to see a dentist more often to fight the oral diseases in time. You can also get teeth cleaning every 3 months for the best results. 

How Long Do Dentist Appointments Take?

Understandably, you may have to take time off from work for dental appointments. So, it’s natural to expect your time to be spent in the dental chair with the dentist doing the routine checkup instead of being forced to sit in the waiting room. The duration of a dental appointment depends upon the dentist you select, the patient flow, and the number of professionals a dental office contains. 

Conclusion

If you’re still wondering whether you really need to go to the dentist every 6 months, the answer is a clear ‘yes.’ 

Going to the dentist can save you from later troubles as well as save valuable money you might spend on expensive restorative treatments. Of course, it also depends upon the dentist’s professionalism, but rest assured that you’ll experience the best service when you connect with us at HOY HOY IBIZA.