It is recommended that every person should visit their dentist for regular checkups and cleaning every six months. While you may be limited on your budget or just don’t enjoy spending time at the dentist’s office, you could be wondering whether it would be find to cut that back to once per year.
It’s a reasonable question. After all, there are many things that we have been told through the years that are important, but then a government agency comes along or some new study that highlights the fact that the previous recommendations or suggestions were wrong.
We were once told to change the oil in our cars every 5,000 kilometers. Then the processing of oil changed and now it’s every 10,000 and even 15,000 kilometers.
When it comes to your teeth, there are some very good reasons why every six months is far better than once a year to visit the dentist.
No matter how well you brush and floss and take care of your teeth, there is going to be some plaque and other residue left behind. A dentist has the know-how and the tools to be able to scrape those problems off.
Even minor issues that may arise with your teeth, such as a small cavity or a gum problem could grow more significant within a matter of months, so while you could have had the problem taken care of quickly, painlessly, and at a minimal expense if you visited the dentist every six months, that yearly visit could end up requiring more work, and maybe a repeat visit in a week or two.
You have only one set of teeth, so it’s important that you take care of them as well as you can. If you have the means, and are capable of seeing your dentist every six months, then you should make a point to do so.
If that is simply not possible, for some odd, rare reason, and you’re only able to visit your dentist once a year, then that’s better than not at all, of course. Just remember that it is always going to be better for your teeth, your smile, and your oral health if you can visit the dentist every six months.