How often do we need to see a Dentist

It is widely suggested that people should have a denal appointment every 6 months. On the other hand, some people believe it to be unnecessary and they only need to see a dentist every 1 or 2 years. In fact, the benifits of dental appointments could vary depending on the patients’ age group, health condition, and history of dental problems, etc. Therefore, people should adjust the frequency of their dental appointments according to their personal needs.

According to a survey among dentists in New York in 2000, 3/4 of dentists believed a dental appointment is necessary every 6 months, which is also suggested by American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). For children and teenagers, the newly grown permanent teeth, or adult teeth, are more vulnerable and could easily become decayed. Frequent dental visits could help ensure health growth of the teeth and avoid long-term damage.

Some people only go to a dentist when there are serious problems with their teeth. Apart from the general examination and cleaning provided, a dental appointment may have much more benifits that are often overlooked. Research shows if the gap between dental appointments are over a year, the size of oral tumors when diagnosed are much larger. In addition, dental visits help constantly remind people of the importance of dental care, which is especially influencial among children.