is it true that one needs to visit the dentist every 6 mo. or is that a gimmick to get you to spend money?

Answer 1

I believe it's become a meaningless mantra which originates from pre-fluoride days. I ask my patients to return according to the following rough rules:
1. They've had multiple fillings, don't look after their teeth well, prone to developing new cavities - every 6 months for checkup and Xrays every 12 months.
2. Had multiple fillings but maintaining well with rare new cavities - 9 or 12 months for checkup, Xrays at 18 or 24 months.
3. Had very few fillings and maintaining well - checkups at 12 or 18 months, Xrays at 24 months.
4. Never had fillings, maintaining well - checkups at 24 months, Xrays at 24 months.
Now we also have to factor in attendance expectations. Some people don't respond to the recalls straight away and leave it stuck on their fridge for a few months, so I emphasise when they can expect their checkup reminder and why they shouldn't miss it.
As for cleaning teeth, it should only be done as necessary because the ultrasonic scalers and abrasive pastes will do long-term damage to the enamel, especially near the necks of the teeth. The benefits must outweigh the risks. Some patients I have never cleaned.

Answer 2

"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 3

I live in a country where ALL CITIZENS get FREE dental treatment. I work in a public dental clinic, and I get paid the same amount no matter how many patients I see a day. Yet, I ask my patients to come every 6 months for a check up. So I hope this answers your Q ;)

The reason is that most changes in teeth and bone cannot be seen before 6 month. For example, bone resorption or deposition can be seen in raidograph after 6 months only.

Answer 4

It is very important because there is buildup of calcium and tartar on your teeth that only the dentist can remove we certain tools.

If your having trouble with finding affordable dental visits look into the following:

Because dental insurance can be expensive I would recommend a discount dental plan. This plan www.sterlingdentalplan.com has almost 70,000 dentists you can visit and it's pretty cheap and will help you visit the dentist more affordably. Any questions let me know, I know a ton of people who have used this plan and saved money and finally got the dental work they needed.

Answer 5

YES you should visit the dentist regularly To prevent tooth decay and other heatlh problems including cardiovascular such as heart disease, removal of the build-up of plaque on your teeth and preventing gingivitis (gum disease) a prophylaxis cleaning every six months is imperative! I used to work at a dental office and you would be surprised at the incredible things to see if a person neglects proper care of their teeth and gums. Such as cavities, tooth loss, gum disease to name a few. There are some who don't even know what floss is! Not only would you be getting your teeth cleaned, you should receive an exam from the dentist and and flouride treatment and possible x-rays for further care.
Do yourself a favor and get regular cleanings/exam every 6 months!

Answer 6

Yes, you need to visit a dentist every six months. Even if your teeth are fine. Dentists will scrap off any plaque on your teeth you make have accidently missed, and its a great feeling and a relief to know you have healthy teeth.

Plus, they can detect problems and prevent them from happening and if you get a cavity its better to fix it early than when it gets too painful.

Answer 7

It is best to go every 6 months to catch potential problems early so you don't have to have major treatment later down the road.

Answer 8

You want your teeth for a full lifetime. Get two professional cleanings a year.

Answer 9

It's nice to have your teeth professionally cleaned. i would go more but my dental insurance only covers two cleanings a year.

Answer 10

I go once a year, but yes, it is recommended so that they can detect any serious problems early.