How Often Should You Have a General Dentistry Appointment for a Cavity Check?

When it comes to general dentistry care, you need to have the plaque removed from your teeth on a regular basis. But you might be wondering how often your teeth need to be checked for cavities. The answer to this question will depend on your general health and dental history. Your dentist should tell you how often to visit them. Continue reading to learn more about when you should see a dentist near you.

Frequency of dental exams

Generally, patients should see the dentist at least twice a year. It is important to get a minimum of two dental exams each year. This is a critical part of a patient’s preventative dental care. Even for someone who is good at home care, dental exams are vital.

Importance of dental checkups

Dental checkups can help patients avoid some types of oral health issues. This includes gum disease and cavities. For existing gum disease and cavities, dentists can catch them early. This will prevent the oral health issues from developing further. By treating cavities at the beginning, patients can avoid having more serious health problems. General dentistry appointments are important for maintaining oral health.

However, there are other health benefits of dental exams as well. Some types of diseases can be detected in the mouth first. Lupus and diabetes are two such examples. The symptoms and signs of these diseases often show up only in the mouth. A cavity check can detect these problems and the patient can start treatment immediately.

Preventing cavities

The plaque must be removed from the teeth often. If it is not removed soon enough, it can harden into tartar. This cannot be removed at home. Because of the bacteria in it, it can begin to break down the enamel. It can also cause gum disease.

Even people who avidly brush and floss and do a good job taking care of their teeth cannot remove tartar. The dentist has the necessary dental instruments to deep clean the teeth. Having checkups at least twice a year will “reset” the teeth. That way, cavities are less likely to develop.

Patients may get dental X-rays during a cavity check. Not every cavity is immediately visible. An X-ray can see small cavities, such as ones developing between the teeth. The dentist can easily fill a minor cavity in only one office visit. Sometimes, patients will get other diagnostic tests.

Visit a general dentistry practice today

No matter what your health is like, you should consider visiting the dentist at least twice a year. However, if you have some types of oral health issues, you may need to visit more often. For example, if you are more susceptible to cavities, then you might need to have your teeth checked on a regular basis. Make sure you discuss your concerns with your dentist. Your dentist will help you decide how often to get your teeth checked.

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