Is it really necessary to go to the dentist every 6 months?

Question

I've been going to the dentist every 6 months since I was a kid. I take good care of my teeth and I've never had a cavity. But now I don't have dental insurance. So would it hurt me to not go, or not go as often?

Answer 1

no, you can go yearly.

take extra care of your teeth

Answer 2

It is the best thing b/c this is about how long it takes the normal person to build tartar/calculus that you hygienist needs to remove. If you wait longer tartar/calculus is very rough and makes it extremely easy for plaque to build up more and make more tartar. Also, many people make new cavities in just 6 months. If you have any gum problems at all you must go every 6 months. People with gum disease have pockets in their gums. These pockets are little deep hiding places for bacteria and if you do not get these pockets cleaned out every 6 months or sometimes every 3-4 months you will begin to lose bone from the gum disease the bacteria causes. The problem is those pockets b/c you can't floss down in the pockets. If you are completely healthy and floss daily and are not prone to new cavities every time you visit the dentist, you might be able to go 1 year. But, don't go longer than 1 year. Checkups are not that expensive though. Once a year they normally do Dr. Exam, x-rays, and cleaning around 110 dollars and the next visit is a recall visit where they can just do a cleaning around 50 dollars. Then, if the hygienist finds a problem at the recall visit she can let the dentist know.

Answer 3

The latest studies are showing that most patients would benefit from undergoing a thorough risk assessment to determine how often - and what type - cleanings should be done. Based on several factors (genetics, age, overall health, dental history, habits, etc.) some patients would be better off being seen 3 to 4 times per year, while a few very low risk patients might be just fine at once per 12 months.

Many dentists are spending more time on the initial exam to determine which catagory their patients fit into. Even Delta Dental is beginning to come along - they have a new program that uses "evidence based dentistry" to tailor preventative care to the individual needs of subscribers.

I would bet that in 5 years the ADA changes its recommendations on the cookie-cutter 6 month rule.

Answer 4

sounds like you're doing an outstanding job holding your oral hygiene. Your dentist should be proud. inspite of the on a daily basis brushing and flossing there can nevertheless be calculus advance(tartar) round your the teeth. those can not be bumped off by utilising brushing and may be done by utilising your dentist or a hygienist. you may ask your dentist next time you pass for a verify up once you've a ton of calculus buildup. as well to the teeth cleansing it is also recurring to take x-ray radiographs to video exhibit any (new) hollow area. 6 months is continuously more beneficial ideal than a year yet with out understanding the entire dental heritage this is complicated to make a suggestion. Ask your dentist.

Answer 5

It is definitely necessary, your dentist not only looks for cavities, but he also looks for signs of Heart disease. (shows in your gums first) among other things that if found early enough can be treated more efficiently. Just b/c you have never had a cavity does not mean that you never will and therefore you should go. Check with your dentist, if you have a good relationship with them then you can probably make a payment plan, or they may even wave part of the exam! Good Luck

Answer 6

I spend a lot of time taking care of my teeth, and go to the dentist every 6 months. What gets me is that I only have 6 of my original teeth and the others are all crowns. Every time I go, he will say, you have to come back for a filling. I think that I am helping to pay the rent!

Answer 7

Probably not as long as you take extra care of them including flossing. Checkups are so regularly to make sure everything stays clean and cavities form quickly. Like I said, pay more attention to them since you won't have a dentist around as often. No cavities? Keep it that way!

Answer 8

According to the ADA you are at a low risk for cavities. There for you should see your dentist once a year, for examination and cleaning.

Answer 9

I guess if you don't have dental insurance you'll be okay as long as you brush and floss like you should. I haven't gone in a long time, but I don't floss and my mouth could use some work. My dad goes three times a year. He had horrible oral hygeine as a kid, so now he's totally anal retentive about it and his teeth are perfect.

Answer 10

i wouldn't give it up. spend the money and get your teeth cleaned. I didn't go for a year and then needed a deep scaling. 1 it hurt, 2 it cost more then a cleaning.

Answer 11

HELLO,

EVERYONE WOULD BENEFIT FROM A CHECKUP ON A REGULAR BASIS. IF THIS IS EVERY 6 MONTHS, THAT'S GOOD. IF ONLY ONCE PER YEAR BECAUSE OF FINANCES, THEN SO BE IT. HOWEVER, I WOULD WANT TO SPEND A SMALL AMOUNT FIRST BEFORE I LET THINGS GO AND SPEND A LOT OF MONEY LATER.