Why Go See a Dentist Twice a Year?

The American Dental Association recommends going to see a dentist for a checkup every six months. Regular dental visits are important for maintaining dental health and preventing future dental problems.

Cavity Prevention

• Dentists perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums to help prevent bacteria from growing and cavities from forming. Dentists also give fluoride treatments, which can strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities, to children up to the age of 16. If a cavity is found, a dentist can fill the cavity and halt any further decay of that tooth.

Tooth Alignment

• Twice a year, a dentist will check a patient's mouth for malocclusion, which is a misalignment between the top and bottom teeth, and recommend a treatment to correct any problems. Dentists will examine a patient's wisdom teeth and determine if the alignment of the wisdom teeth will cause problems with the alignment of the other teeth or whether they are at risk of becoming infected.

Education

• Dentists are a valuable dental health educational resource. Dentists educate patients on proper care and maintenance of their mouth and teeth. They also provide information on avoidance of mouth injuries and advise patients of behaviors that might increase the risk of poor dental health.