Why You Really Need To Go To The Dentist Twice A Year

Unsplash/Pablo Heimplatz

There are few things we enjoy less in life than sitting in a dentist’s chair. That metal scraping tool that sounds (and feels) like nails on a chalkboard inside your mouth, the water pick that aggressively stabs your gums in the name of “deep cleaning,” the grainy AF polishing gel that makes you feel like you just ate sand… we’re cringing just thinking about it.

But these discomforts don’t mean we can dip out of important oral hygiene. The verdict still stands that for optimal gum and tooth health, you need to schedule those cleaning appointments at least twice a year. (We know — cue the dramatic, disappointed sighs all around.)

Even if you’re someone who takes impeccable care of your teeth, you still need to see a dentist regularly because he or she has the tools to check for things that you can’t see or feel. Think cavities, gum disease and even oral cancer. Yikes. Seeing your dentist approximately once every six months can safeguard you from having these kinds of health issues spiral out of control too quickly. It also keeps the treatment plans manageable.

Unsplash/Can’ja

Some people can get away with fewer annual visits while some might actually fare better with even more frequent check-ups despite what dental insurance covers. According to a recent study from the American Dental Association, the time between cleanings can vary from three months to about two years, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are and what risks you present for oral illnesses down the line.

Oh, and if you’re a smoker or experience plaque buildup at a quicker rate, it’s even more imperative that you stay on top of your hygienic cleanings.

A lot of this advice is obviously in the name of preventative care, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be prioritized. After all, it’s not dental work that’s expensive — the neglect that leads to the procedures and treatments in the first place is.

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