Good oral hygiene starts at home, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to visit your dentist. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and avoiding sugar food and drink are great ways to maintain your oral health, alongside regular visits to your Tampa dentist. If you have healthy teeth, you may not visit your dentist as often as those with oral health problems, though annual visits are usually still recommended. In the past, dentistry was more about treating oral issues rather than preventing them, which is where the unofficial standard of two visits a year originated.
Why You Should Visit Your Tampa Dentist
Most people regularly visit their Tampa dentist, so visits are often for preventing things like cavities, gum disease, or other common issues. Visiting your Tampa dentist every 6 months for a deep cleaning has become the standard among dentists. This standard works great for patients with overall good oral health who maintain strong oral hygiene habits at home. This semi-annual visit will include a cleaning, sometimes x-rays, and checking for cavities or other oral diseases.
For some patients, there are factors that can bring about a greater risk for oral health problems. These patients should be visiting their dentists regularly to prevent things from escalating into serious diseases. Anyone who smokes, is diabetic, or has a weak immune system are all more susceptible to gum disease and cavities and must maintain a regular relationship with their dentist. If you may be one of these high-risk patients, talk with your dentist to determine a plan of action to keep your mouth and teeth healthy. For those with serious conditions, your dentist may recommend visiting more often than twice a year.
While there is no official standard for how often to visit your dentist, most dental offices go by the twice-a-year rule for healthy patients. Keep up good oral hygiene at home and visit your Tampa dentist or contact us to keep your mouth looking and feeling healthy.
