Wondering how often you should be booking dental appointments at your dental practice in Durban? The general rule of thumb that most dentists recommend all over the world is twice a year. A cleaning and check-up appointment every six months is the most effective way to prevent gum disease, cavities and other issues before they become too serious.
For most people, bi-annual appointments work. With that said, some patients may be able to get away with going once a year. Others may need to go every three months. Essentially, the best way to determine which is the right frequency for you personally is to ask your dentist for advice. If you have a low risk of cavities and oral disease, your dentist may tell you that you do not need to come in twice a year. If, on the other hand, you have a higher risk of dental disease, you will likely need to make dental appointments more often. High risk patients include the following:
- Smokers
- Pregnant women
- Diabetics
- Those with gum disease
- Those with a weak immune response to infection
- Those with frequent cavities or plaque build up
How Often to Book Dental Appointments
With that in mind, how do you know when to book dental appointments? You can consider the following tips as a guideline to help you make the best decision for your dental health…
- Regular appointments are essential for everyone. Even if you have the best teeth and gums and hardly ever need a filling or cleaning, you will need to go consistently at least once a year, and ideally twice a year. The reason for this is that dentists can spot problems that you may not be able to feel or see yourself. Many of these issues only become serious in their advanced stages, at which point it becomes far harder to treat them. Going routinely twice a year will help your dentist spot small issues before they become bigger issues. Another benefit of bi-annual appointments is that you will have a thorough teeth and gum cleaning at each appointment.
- Pregnant women are at higher risk of gum disease. If you are planning to conceive, you should book a full dental exam to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy. Pregnant women with a history of gum disease have a much higher chance of delivering premature, underweight babies. To be safe, it is always a good idea to schedule an exam before you even begin to try for a baby. Failing to do so can put your unborn child at risk.
- Speak to your dentists to get expert advice. Although the general rule of thumb is every six months, each patient is unique. The only way to determine what is best for you is to get advice from the person who knows your teeth and gums, and as such, is able to provide an accurate guideline of how often you should go for appointments.
Looking for a reliable, professional dental practice in Durban? Gateway Dental offers the latest technology along with a wide range of treatments. Get in touch today to learn more about how to book dental appointments.