You should see your dentist once every 6 months, after each dental cleaning. This isn’t just true in Winnipeg, but everywhere in the world! Regular visits to the dentist can help you prevent cavities and gum disease, and even catch the early warning signs of more serious oral health problems.
In this article, we’re going to explore why you should visit a dentist every 6 months:
Most people need to get their teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months; some people need cleanings every 3 to 4 months. Several factors can impact how often you need to get your teeth cleaned, including:
Your dentist and dental hygienist will give you insights into how often you need cleanings. Some people with exceptional oral health may only need cleanings once every 9 months - but this is very rare.
Regular dental visits, including dental cleanings, are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing cavities and gum disease.
You cannot remove tartar (hardened plaque, also known as calculus) on your own. Plaque and tartar can also form below your gumline, where they cannot be brushed or flossed easily.
Over time, bacteria feed on plaque and tartar; these same bacteria secrete acid that causes cavities. The plaque and tartar can also cause inflammation in the gums; bacteria can then enter the gums, which can cause infections.
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly means that you can prevent these problems from getting worse. Tooth decay can lead to root canals, and gingivitis (gum inflammation) can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of periodontal disease.
Eventually, these issues can lead to tooth loss, abscesses, gum recession, and other serious problems. Visiting your dentist regularly and maintaining a good oral health care routine are the best ways to prevent oral health problems.
All kinds of oral health diseases can be detected by dentists; these diseases range from the early signs of periodontitis (as we discussed above) to early warning signs of many other diseases, including:
A long-term relationship with your dentist can even help you detect the early warning signs of things like stress or dementia; if a patient who is normally on top of their oral health suddenly starts neglecting it, their family dentist, who has seen them for decades, can help them address problems.
The costs of dental treatments like crowns, implants, and bridges are much higher than the costs of cleanings and dental exams. You may have heard the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That’s true both metaphorically and literally when it comes to dental care.
More involved dental care can cost thousands (or even tens of thousands) of dollars. A cleaning and exam is a fraction of the cost.
Skipping a visit to the dentist isn’t the end of the world - just be sure to let your dentist know as soon as you can if you’re planning to cancel an appointment, as many dentists have cancellation fees. You’ll also want to be sure to rebook; dental appointments in Winnipeg fill up fast!
A more important question is what happens if you keep skipping the trip to your dentist. We understand why you might not want to go; not everyone enjoys going to the dentist, and some people have pretty severe dental anxiety.
The issue with skipping visits to your dentist is that oral health problems add up. Plaque becomes tartar. Tartar allows bacteria to breed, creating cavities - both above and under the gumline. Gums become inflamed and start receding. Teeth die or loosen, and need to get root canal treatments or be extracted.
The longer you go without seeing your dentist, the more time that oral health issues have to compound. Your dentist can spot issues before they get worse, which can save you a lot of stress and a lot of money.
For over 75 years, East Kildonan Dental Group has provided the people of Winnipeg with patient-centred, compassionate dental care using state-of-the-art technologies. We do our utmost to ensure that every patient who visits our clinic receives the highest standard of care in a safe, comfortable environment.
Our entire team - including our dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, front office staff, and management - is committed to continual education, all to provide the best dental care possible for our patients.
We are a family dental clinic, offering everything from standard teeth cleanings to more complex cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, and a host of restorative dental treatments. Our dentists are here for you and your family, whatever you need.
Whether you’re on top of your dental visit every 6 months or you haven’t been to the dentist in 6 years, if you’re looking for a Winnipeg dentist, we would be happy to welcome you to our clinic.
We are currently accepting new patients; get patient-centred dental care delivered with compassion and experience. Call us today!
