Do you really need a 6 month check up at the Dentist ?

Answer 1

"See your dentist twice a year" was actually made up by Procter and Gamble as part of their ads for Crest toothpaste. This was the first widely-disseminated use of the 6 month recall interval. It just happens to work for most people. There are some who are just fine with a longer interval and I have a handful of patients in my practice who have "graduated" all the way out to a 12 month interval. Maybe 20-25% have to come more often than every 6 months, like 3 or 4 months. This is actually usually their choice, even though the suggestion first comes from me. "You know, Bob, we could do a better job helping you keep your teeth if you came in more often for cleanings." "I was just wondering about that....... What do you think?" And so it goes. I have one lady who insists that she needs her teeth cleaned once a month and guess what. She does. I think she just rinses her mouth at home and leaves the rest to me.

Most insurance plans only pay for two visits per year. Some don't care if you get one cleaning in January and the next in February, but some say it can be no more often than every six months. This is by no means an indication of how often you need your teeth cleaned. It only tells you how often they feel like paying for it.

The final answer is that how often you see the dentist should be individually tailored to suit your needs.

Answer 2

SURPRISE! I'm a dentist and the answer is "Nope."

OK, that's deceptive...the real answer is "it depends." The whole six month thing was invented like 60 years ago by a toothpaste company and somehow became the industry standard. That's how much insurances will pay for.

I've seen people who only wander in every few years and they have flawless teeth. (THEY are also the ones that have pretty good hygiene habits....) I see others who show up every six months and you find something new and weird falling apart each time. Further, with some periodontally compromised (ie, middle aged to older adults with gum disease) you need to see them every 3-4 months to maintain any semblence of gum health and forestall the inevitable loss of teeth due to periodontitis.

SOME people go in to get their teeth CLEANED ev. 6 mos and then (since they pay out of pocket) elect to not get the "exam" and/or xrays with vary but may tack on 80-100 bucks to the 55-75 dollar cleaning fee.

This is ok so long as you still get these things done regularly and the dentist agrees that your history (ie, relative lack of cavities/gum disease) justifies the 'slacking.'

Again, it's different for different people. By and large if your'e uner 40, have had little to no cavity history and brush at least daily and floss at least 4 x/week you can probably get by w/ every 12-18 months for an exam.

Be warned tho' - it's easier to fix cavities when they're small so be sure to catch them - it usually takes a year for cavities to go from small to big.....

Answer 3

According to a paper, put out by the American Dental Association, you should have a check up every 6 months.

If you are at a low risk for cavities you should see your dentist once a year.

High risk patients need to have a check up every 3 months.

Your dentist will determine what your risk level is.

Answer 4

It depends on your dental hygiene habits. The dentist can tell how well you take care of your teeth from your last visit. If you do a good job, they let you go for a year. If you have problems like gingivitis, they might want to see you again in 3 months.

Answer 5

i circulate to the dentist to have my tooth checked yet no longer in many situations. I in simple terms have been given a letter final week stating that it particularly is time for me to have a recurring dental verify :( I additionally got here upon that my dentist has left and now I ought to stand a sparkling one. i'm specific that they would be spectacular and that i do would desire to have a filling replaced by using fact it relatively is became silver and it was the comparable shade as my tooth.

Answer 6

Well, this is recommended but you can go 1 a year. It will be alright, but if your dentist stresses you have to come in sooner then do what the dentist recommends. He has his reasons and will let you know why.

Answer 7

its not a bad idea. what you get done at the dentist office only lasts that day, then your on your own for oral hygiene. its good to have your oral health checked out to make sure your doing things correctly. most people just think if their teeth rot then they can get dentures...well it doesnt always work that way. oral health affects overall health. poor oral health actually increases your risk for cardiovascular problems. most people dont even know that. so go, get your mouth checked and be happy if you have good oral health.

Answer 8

THIS IS STILL A DISPUTED ISSUE AMONG DENTISTS. WHILE IT'S A GOOD THING TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING REGULARLY, HOW OFTEN THIS HAPPENS VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON. CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN EVERY 6 MONTHS BECAUSE MUCH CAN HAPPEN WHILE THEY GROW.

Answer 9

of course me is almost 10 years that was my last visit to the dentist and i have all my teeth right now.

Answer 10

Yes. Teeth are the most important thing next to graduating college, getting married, and eating pie.