It happens. Life throws a lot at us all at times and it can be hard to fit yet another appointment into our busy schedules. But if you want to get your dental health back on track before you develop serious issues, this is how often you should visit the dentist and these are the things you should be doing at home. And no, it’s not quite as simple as going once or twice a year.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist for Routine Appointments?
It used to be so simple – you visit the dentist twice a year for checkups. But it turns out, that was too simple. Yes, everyone should visit the dentist at least once a year – twice a year is preferable in most cases and even more frequent visits are strongly recommended for individuals with on-going dental issues.
Individuals with early gum disease should probably visit the dentist at least twice a year, but more times may be needed to protect the progress and keep the problem from devolving into periodontitis. Those with advanced gum disease, periodontitis, will certainly need to see the dentist several times a year.
There are other high-risk groups who may need several dental appointments throughout the year to keep the need for preventive dentistry from turn into the need for restorative dentistry.
What to Do at Home
The effort you put into your oral health at home minimizes the effort your dentist in Vicksburg, MS and their staff will have to put into your oral health in the office.
Here are basic preventive dental practices you should be performing at home, every day:
- Brush twice a day for two to three minutes each time
- Floss at least once a day
- Rinse with an antiseptic oral cleanser, mouthwash, after brushing and flossing
These are long-term tips for strong dental hygiene at home:
- Replace your toothbrush, or brush head for electric brushes, every three or four months
- Visit your dentist annually and follow-up with more appointments if recommended
- Ask your dentist about preventive dental services offered and take advantage of them
Continue the Conversation with a Dentist in Vicksburg, MS
Don’t let the conversation end here. Schedule an appointment with a dentist in Vicksburg MS to get a better idea about the state of your oral health, what problems you might someday encounter and what you can do now to avoid those potential issues.