How Often Should I go to the Dentist for a Check Up?
What About Cleaning?
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think, and will always depend on your personal circumstances.
Many dentists in West Kelowna and around The Okanagan recommend that you pay them a visit every six months. However, if you struggle with an ongoing oral health issue, we might suggest more frequent visits.
Why are Regular Dental Check Ups Important?
We recommend visiting us for a teeth cleaning and dental hygiene checkup once every six months.
These appointments will give your dentist the chance to assess your mouth for any possible signs of oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay or oral cancer.
Remember: the best way of lowering the risk of a dental issue is to maintain proper oral hygiene and to schedule appointments with your dentist on a regular basis.
Regardless of the exact frequency – yes, we really do recommend 2x annually. You should visit your local West Kelowna dental clinic for a checkup on a regular basis. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of oral health issues occurring and/or becoming compounded.
When Should I Book an Appointment?
Your Kelowna oral health care professional will determine exactly how often you should be visiting the clinic.
Given that an individual’s dental, oral health and physical well-being needs can change over time, your dentist’s advice can change over time too.
However, if you haven’t visited the dental clinic in the last year, you most certainly should arrange an oral check-up for a complete oral assessment and teeth cleaning ASAP.
Dental Cleaning in Kelowna
Back in the day, a dentists’ duty was simply to fix oral issues that had already happened.
Today, we are far better educated, and thus we know the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Only this way can potential issues be spotted before they cause pain or become bigger problems.
Proper dental cleanings can reduce the risk of these issues. Teeth cleanings not only remove stains, but your dental hygienist can also remove those clear, sticky layers of bacteria, also known as plaque.
Dental plaque buildup can result in tooth decay and gum disease, and if not removed in time, plaque can harden and develop into tartar.
Your local dentist in Kelowna will alert you to areas that need more attention when brushing your teeth and will instruct you on how to clean your mouth properly.
When Do You Need To See The Dentist?
Even if you brush and floss daily, there are still some instances when you should absolutely go see your dentist for a check-up:
- Bleeding or Swollen Gums
- Broken or Chipped Teeth
- Teeth Grinding
- Jaw Pain
- Sudden Tooth Sensitivity
- Missing Teeth
If you’re experiencing one or more of these circumstances, it’s strongly recommended to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Dentists and dental hygienists are expertly trained to provide advice and solutions to help with all of these dental concerns.
Who Should See the Dentist More Often?
Some people should visit their dentist for a check-up more often than the recommended twice a year routine. The individuals that fall into this category typically have a higher risk of gum disease and have generally worse oral health. This group of high-risk dental patients include:
- Smokers
- Pregnant Women
- Diabetes Patients
- Individuals with Gum Disease
- Patients That Are More Prone to Cavities
Our Regular Dental Check Ups
Your oral health can also affect your overall health, so seeing your dental hygienist on a regular basis should feel as natural as visiting your general practitioner.
Research, unfortunately, shows that some people visit the dentist as seldom twice in a lifetime, when it should be at least once a year and ideally twice annually.
Every so often, your check up will include X-rays to make sure that all your teeth are healthy and there are no cavities.
Sticking to your regular dental appointments is all about preventative care. Addressing oral issues in the early stages is way less costly and requires shorter appointments compared to only visiting a professional when you are hurting.
Our friendly, caring staff will make sure you feel comfortable during your visit. Contact Westside Dental to find out more and book your West Kelowna dental checkup appointment ASAP.