Ask Our Dentists: How Often Should You Get a Dental Checkup and Clean?

When going to the dentist, one of the questions that pop out to many is “how often should I get a dental checkup?” The classic advice has always been “every six months,” but is it truly a one-size-fits-all approach? The answer, like many things in healthcare, is a bit more nuanced. 

In this blog, let’s talk about how important it is to get dental checkups and the recommended frequency. 

Why Are Dental Checkups Important? 

Dental checkup and cleaning acts like a service maintenance for your teeth. Your dentist makes sure all the nooks and crannies of your teeth are spick and span, and functioning well. 

Here are some of the benefits you can also get from a checkup:  

Early Detection and Prevention 

No one wants to have any problems regarding their health. With regular checkups, this will allow your dentist to identify any potential issues in their earliest stages. Whether that’s cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer, these can be easily prevented or treated when caught early. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” And that’s the biggest benefit of dental checkups.  

Professional Cleaning 

Diligent brushing and flossing at home is actually not enough. Doing these two important habits religiously can still allow plaque and tartar to build up in those hard to reach places. The only way these areas can stay clean and healthy is with the help of dentists. A professional cleaning from them removes these unwanted deposits in your mouth, leaving your teeth sparkling clean and reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. 

Oral Cancer Screening 

Oral cancer is a serious health concern, but early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Dentists are trained to screen for oral cancer during a checkup, potentially saving lives. 

Monitoring Overall Health 

Research has shown that oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Certain oral health conditions can indicate underlying health issues, like diabetes or heart disease. Regular dental checkups can provide valuable insights into your overall health to keep you informed and proactive about your health. 

Tailoring Your Checkup Frequency 

The “Every six months” recommendation is a good starting point for how frequently you should get your dental checkups done. In other cases, there can still be several factors in play that can influence the ideal frequency for your dental checkups: 

• Your risk of dental disease: Some of our patients have a low risk of dental disease and generally have very good dental health.  For these patients, our dentists will recommend they only need to come 12 monthly.   However, there are also patients with a history of dental problems, gum disease, or other risk factors.  These patients who are at high risk of dental disease would recommend more frequent appointments. Maybe every three to four months. The majority of people would fall in between these two categories, for which a 6 monthly preventative care regime would be most appropriate. 
• Your Oral Hygiene Habits: If you brush twice a day, floss regularly, and maintain a healthy diet, your dentist might suggest longer intervals between checkups. On the other hand, if your oral hygiene habits are not up to par, more frequent professional cleanings could be helpful for you. Remember, regular checkups can help keep your teeth and gums in top condition. 

When to Schedule Additional Checkups 

Even if you follow a regular checkup schedule, there might be situations where an additional visit is necessary. These include: 

• Experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity 
• Noticing bleeding gums 
• Having a chipped or broken tooth 
• Losing a tooth 
• Experiencing any changes in your mouth, such as mouth ulcers or white patches 
• Being pregnant (pregnant women are more susceptible to gum disease) 

Dental Checkups and Clean at Whitehorse Dental 

Whitehorse Dental focuses on you and your oral health. What you can expect during your first visit is a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. We want to make sure we get an overview of your mouth first that we will factor in before your personalised treatment plan. 

We will also ask you about your needs and lifestyle to ensure you are at peace with whatever treatments we recommend. With this comprehensive evaluation, we’ll recommend a checkup and cleaning schedule that’s just right for you. 

What Our Dental Checkups Look Like 

• Preventive Focus: In our clinic, we prioritise early detection and prevention to avoid more serious dental problems down the line. Take note: catching issues early means simpler and less invasive treatments. 
• Experienced Dentists: Our team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure your dental experience is both comfortable and effective. You’re in good hands with our skilled professionals. 
• Family-Friendly Environment: We cater to patients of all ages, which makes us a convenient choice for your entire family. From kids to grandparents, everyone is welcome. 

Taking Care of Your Teeth for A Brighter Future 

Taking charge of your oral health through regular dental checkups and cleans is an investment in your overall well-being. And what makes this more effective is by partnering with dental professionals in Blackburn, VIC who knows exactly what they need to do. Seek our professionals at Whitehorse Dental as your sidekick in combating dental problems! 

Book your appointments with us today and see the difference we can bring to your teeth.