How Often Do General Dentists Typically See Patients for Regular Checkups?

General dentists are the main type of dental professional that patients see for routine care, including examinations and cleanings. Every patient is different, which means how often they require check-ups may vary. However, for the most part, general dentists recommend a few guidelines that patients can abide by. 

Regular check-ups with general dentists

Below is an overview of how often regular check-ups should be done by general dentists. 

Children

Babies, toddlers and young children should see general dentists regularly for check-up appointments to maintain good oral health. Typically, the appointments are recommended two to three times a year or every six months. When a baby first develops their teeth, parents may want to take them in for check-ups more frequently, such as every three months. This gives the general dentist a chance to monitor the teeth and ensure that they are growing healthy. Toddlers and children should not need to visit their general dentists more than twice a year, so long as they are in good health. 

Adults

Young adults from the age of 18 and up should visit general dentists at least twice a year or every six months. General dentists can monitor oral health in between the six months to determine if there are any abnormalities or signs of infection. Some adult patients end up undergoing check-ups once a year due to insurance purposes or scheduling conflicts.

Elderly people may want to visit general dentists more than twice a year due to a risk of oral cancer or to monitor oral health, as increased age can put overall health at risk. Older individuals also tend to take daily medications to maintain conditions or to stay in good shape. Medication consumption can contribute to oral health problems, which is why general dentists recommend frequent visits for individuals taking anything on a regular basis. Additionally, older patients often experience dry mouth, which puts them at severe risk of developing cavities. 

Other factors

There are a few other factors that may dictate how often check-ups are needed with general dentists. Outlined below are some of those factors.

• Adults that are at risk of oral cancer may require visiting general dentists more often for screenings. 
• General dentists may want to see children quarterly if they are prone to cavities.
• Elderly people may want to visit their general dentists frequently for check-ups to ensure good oral health. 
• Patients undergoing braces treatment may want to visit general dentists monthly for cleanings. Braces can make it harder to practice good oral hygiene, thus increasing the risk of cavities or gum disease. 
• Children that have jaw misalignments may be required to undergo check-ups more frequently to monitor the development.  
• Individuals that suffer from gum disease or bleeding gums should visit their general dentist at least every three months to monitor the infection and undergo cleanings. 

Because there are so many factors that go into the frequency of check-ups, it is important that patients talk with their dentists to determine what is best. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine how often appointments are needed. 

Learn more today!

General dentists are great resources to utilize when in need of regular check-ups. They can perform examinations and cleanings to ensure that patients of all ages are in optimal health. Any questions or concerns about the frequency of dental check-ups should be addressed by a general dentist. Reach out today to learn more or to get started; we are here to help!

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.