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How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

Dental VisitFind out why routine dental checkups are important and how often you should be going.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to hear that everyone, no matter how great they feel, should visit their dentist regularly. Of course, the million-dollar question is, “How often?” From the office of our Shelby, NC, dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr., find out how often you should be coming in for checkups and why they are so important.

A healthy individual who doesn’t have a high risk for developing cavities or gum disease only needs to visit the dentist twice a year (every six months) for cleanings and checkups (maybe once a year; however, always consult your dentist to make sure that once a year is right for you). Once a year our Shelby family dentist will also perform X-rays to check for decay and other issues that we may not be able to see with the naked eye.

However, those who’ve had a lot of cavities in the past, currently have gum disease, or are dealing with other dental issues really shouldn’t skip out on these routine checkups because they could just end up saving your oral health. After all, not all dental issues present with symptoms, so how else would you know that there is something wrong unless you had a checkup? Just as people should have an annual physical exam with their family doctor so too should people come in regularly to visit their dentist.

When should children start seeing the dentist?

Knowing when to bring your child in for regular dental cleanings and checkups is important. After all, the sooner you get them involved in their own oral care the better. As soon as their first tooth comes in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first, you should schedule their first cleaning. The first checkup gets your little one acclimated to the dental office and our team so they grow up having a positive experience of the dentist.

Who should visit the dentist more often?

There are some situations in which people might even need to see the dentist more regularly (about every 3-4 months). This is certainly the case for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Menopausal women
  • Patients at a high risk for decay
  • Smokers
  • Heavy drinkers
  • Active gum disease
  • Diabetics

Is it high time you came in for your checkup and cleaning? If it’s been longer than six months then you definitely need to come in soon to make sure your teeth and gums are still healthy. Our Shelby, NC, dental team is here to provide the ultimate in preventive dental care.

Dentist in Shelby, NC
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS,
PA
511 N. Morgan Street
Shelby, NC 28150
Phone: (704) 484-0077
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