How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist for a Check-Up and Cleaning?
Your dental check-up frequency matters if you want to stay on top of your oral health. Even if you brush and floss regularly, bacteria and plaque can still accumulate between your teeth and underneath the gumline, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these common conditions, and keep your smile strong and radiant.
So, how often should you go to the dentist for a check-up? Our experienced dental health experts explain why visiting the dentist every six months is so important.
Call (844) 8-SMILE-NOW or fill out the form to make an appointment today!
Dental Visit Frequency: How Often Should You Go to the Dentist for a Cleaning and Exam?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people visit their dentist regularly for preventive care and dental treatments. However, most dentists agree that bi-annual check-ups and teeth cleanings can help you maintain a healthier mouth, and avoid serious dental problems.
You can work with your dentist to determine the optimal frequency based on your individual needs, oral hygiene habits, overall health, and medical history. Your dental insurance coverage may also affect how often you are able to see your dentist.
How Often Should Elderly Adults Visit the Dentist?
Elderly patients face unique challenges that come with age, including:
- Hormonal changes that affect the pH balance of the mouth.
- Decreased saliva production and dry mouth.
- Susceptibility to bad breath and gum disease.
- Medical conditions that affect dental health.
- Increased risk of oral cancer, especially with regular use of tobacco products.
The frequency of visits will depend on the individual’s needs and risk factors for dental disease. Your dentist will make recommendations to help you maintain a healthy mouth, and maximize your dental health benefits.
How Often Should You Take Your Kids for Pediatric Dental Check-Ups?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a dentist for a check-up at least every six months to prevent cavities and other common childhood oral health issues. Ask your pediatric dentist if your child should have check-ups twice a year, or if they require more frequent regular dental visits to maintain their oral health.
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What Are the Benefits of Dental Check-Ups?
Evidence suggests that routine dental care is crucial to your oral health and overall well-being by reducing the occurrence of:
- Dental cavities
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Gum disease
- Other oral health issues that affect quality of life
Regular dental exams enable your dentist to identify minor issues earlier, when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Your dentist can also recommend preventive care to help you avoid dental problems that affect your oral health.
Rather than waiting for an issue to arise, routine check-ups help you maintain your oral health, and get ahead of serious issues that may require extensive procedures. For many patients, dental check-ups are fully covered by insurance because they are essential in preventing future issues.
How Much Does a Dental Check-Up Cost?
The cost of a dental check-up will depend on various factors, including:
- Your location
- The dentist’s rates
- Available discounts
- Dental insurance coverage
Some dental offices offer special deals and discounts that can help make dental care more affordable, such as a dental check-up freebie with a teeth cleaning. Also, ask about a dentist’s free whitening service for new patients, and other treatments that can help your smile shine.
How Much Is a Dental Check-Up Without Insurance?
Patients without dental insurance deserve access to affordable care to maintain a healthy smile. Look for dentists in your area who work with cash-paying patients to access essential services, such as dental exams, cleanings, and dental X-rays. They will often have programs and discounts, like:
- Flexible financing options.
- Exclusive offers for new patients.
- Discount dental plan memberships.
- Resources for protected classes, such as veterans or those with disabilities.
How Much Is a Dental Check-Up With Insurance?
If you have dental insurance, refer to your insurance policy to determine the type of coverage you have, and whether dental check-ups and preventive dental care are fully covered. If not, your insurance may cover a percentage of the cost.
You can use search tools provided by your insurance company to find a dentist that is within your network to maximize your benefits. Otherwise, call the dentist to confirm they are an in-network provider before scheduling a dental check-up.
Need to reschedule? Make changes to your appointment online.
We Accept Most Dental Insurance
Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.
If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!
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Every person’s situation is different. If you don’t see your health insurance here, or if you do not have dental insurance, we can help you!
Call us now to discuss your situation and discover what options are right for you.
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What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
While most patients receive a routine teeth cleaning every six months, others may need a deep cleaning, especially if they haven’t seen a dentist in a while. A dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more comprehensive cleaning session that involves removal of tartar and bacteria from underneath the gumline, and around the tooth roots.
The dentist or hygienist will use special tools to chip away at hardened plaque that has accumulated around the teeth and gums. This can prevent tooth decay and treat periodontal disease.
What To Expect During a Dental Check-Up
A dental check-up involves a thorough examination of your mouth, and a review of risk factors that can impact your oral health.
Most patients will also have dental X-rays and a teeth cleaning done during their routine check-ups to clean areas that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach. The hygienist may also use a tool called a Prophy-Jet to remove plaque, debris, and dental stains.
Your teeth will then be polished using a rotating head and gritty toothpaste for a vibrant smile. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
How To Assess Your Risk for Dental Diseases
Patients may have a higher risk of developing dental diseases when they have one or more of these risk factors:
- Poor oral hygiene habits.
- Past dental issues or concerns.
- Family history of dental diseases.
- Medical conditions that can affect your oral health.
- Regular use of tobacco products.
- People with a weak immune system.
- Following a diet high in sugar.
Do you have to go to the dentist? Whether you have a high or low risk, regular dental check-ups can help identify signs of dental disease. Discuss your oral health concerns and risk factors with your dentist to determine the best dental check-up schedule for you.
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How To Maintain Good Dental Care Between Visits
Between visits to your dentist, it’s vital to maintain good dental hygiene to keep teeth healthy.
This involves:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice daily for two minutes.
- Flossing between the teeth at least once a day.
- Using a fluoride toothpaste to protect enamel.
- Following your dentist’s oral hygiene recommendations.
Find a Dentist and Schedule a Check-Up
Working with a friendly and experienced dentist can make dental care easier for the whole family. Whether you want to switch dentists, or are looking for a new dentist after moving, the best way to narrow down your search is:
- Asking friends and family for recommendations.
- Checking online reviews and testimonials.
- Using dental insurance resources to find an in-network provider.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to prioritize your dental health. Schedule a dental check-up today at a convenient Absolute Dental office to work with a trusted family dentist.
FAQ
Comprehensive dental exams are free with your Smile Saver membership. For a low annual fee, you can access your free exam and discounted teeth cleanings, and other dental services. Also, ask about our special offer on exams and X-rays for cash-paying patients.
We have a limited-time offer on a complete exam with dental X-rays for $39. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Depending on your individual needs, a dental cleaning typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, expect a deep cleaning to take at least one hour.
Your dentist may recommend waiting at least 30 minutes to eat after a teeth cleaning, especially if you had a fluoride treatment.
Check with dentists in your area to find special offers on exams, cleanings, and teeth whitening treatments. Some offices provide exclusive discounts for new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Home Oral Care. (2024).
Khairuddin, A., et al. (2024). Impact of Dental Visiting Patterns on Oral Health: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies.
Tooth Scaling and Root Planing. (2024).
What Do Your Hormones Have to Do With Your Oral Health? (2024).