How Often Should You Really Go to the Dentist? A Gilbert Dentist Weighs In

You have probably heard that you need to visit your dentist twice a year for regular dental exams and cleanings. But is it actually the right frequency for everyone? At Sonoran Vista Dentistry, we believe in personalized care, and that includes helping you determine exactly how often you should be coming in. Dr. Head and his team are here to help you build a visit schedule that best fits your unique oral health needs.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling dental visits at intervals determined by your provider based on your oral health needs. For some patients, this means every six months. For others, it may mean every three to four months.

So what frequency is right for you? When recommending visit frequency, our team considers a range of factors, including the following:

• Gum Disease History: Patients with a history of periodontal disease typically benefit from more frequent visits, usually every 3 to 4 months, to stay ahead of bacterial buildup below the gumline.
• Dry Mouth: Reduced saliva flow, whether caused by medications or systemic conditions, can increase your risk for tooth decay and may require more frequent visits.
• Diabetes: There is a well-documented bidirectional relationship between diabetes and gum disease, which is why you may need more frequent care to manage both conditions.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or using tobacco products can increase the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, tooth decay, and even oral cancer, which is why we typically recommend more frequent visits.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy increase your risk for pregnancy gingivitis, which is why we typically recommend at least one additional cleaning during this time.

Note: If you experience any oral health concerns between regular visits, don’t wait. Contact us for immediate care to prevent a minor problem from progressing and requiring emergency care.

What Happens If You Skip Your Dental Visits?

Did you know that if plaque is not removed by brushing, which is not always easy in those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth and at the back of the mouth, it can begin to harden into tartar in just 24 to 72 hours. At this point, only professional dental tools can remove these tough deposits.

Over time, plaque and tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which may lead to bone loss, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. It can also increase the risk of tooth decay, which, left untreated, can progress and require extensive procedures such as a root canal rather than a simple filling.

At Sonoran Vista Dentistry, we offer preventive services to lower your risk of dental disease and detect minor concerns before they progress, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your smile. Your routine visits are your first and most effective line of defense for long-term oral health.

Preventive Care Near Me in Gilbert, AZ

Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or you are in search of a trusted dental home, our team at Sonoran Vista Dentistry is here for you. Dr. Head will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the ideal frequency of preventive visits to maintain your healthy smile. We are currently welcoming new patients and invite you to take advantage of our new patient specials. We invite you to call us at (480) 545-0661 to schedule an appointment or use this link to request one today!