Wondering how frequently you should visit your local dental clinic? If you have some of these oral problems, you may need to schedule more time in for your family dentist and/or dental hygienist.
Having to visit the family dentist may not be the appointment that everyone looks forward to, but it is one of the most important ones to keep. This is because regular check-ups or teeth cleanings with your dental hygienist are critical to your oral and general health!
Benfits of Regular Dental Hygiene Appointments
- A brighter, whiter smile
- Lower risk of oral diseases
- Lower risk of tooth decay and tooth loss
In addition to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful, regular appointments also help your dental hygienist note changes over time and identify red flags. This means that diseases like oral cancer and gum disease can be treated early.
Why Visit Our Calgary Family Dentist
At Marlborough Dental Centre, we strive to provide affordable and quality dentistry services for your entire family! Whether it’s your teenager, or a senior parent, we have the expertise and knowledge to protect your oral health and ensure your gums and teeth stay healthy and strong.
Why Some Patients Need to See A Dentist More Often
Visiting your dentist or dental hygienist twice a year is a good rule of thumb to follow, as most patients can maintain a healthy smile with a dental checkup or cleaning every 6 months.
However, this is not a one-size-fits-all rule and there are several oral conditions and circumstances that may require more frequent dental visits, including:
1. PATIENTS WITH DIABETES
Diabetic patients often have a higher risk of developing certain oral problems such as fungal infections and gum disease. This is dangerous because periodontal disease may make it more difficult for you to control your blood sugar.
That’s why it’s important for diabetic patients to visit their family dentist frequently, so any gum disease can be detected and treated early, to minimize complicaitions with diabetes.
2. PATIENTS WHO SMOKE
Given all the risks and complications of smoking on oral health, it’s important that tobacco users don’t skip their regular checkups with their dentists. During these visits, your dental hygienist/dentist can check for signs of:
- Developing gum disease
- Oral cancers
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Tooth loss
While quitting smoking is the most effective way to ensure better oral health, it is crucial for smokers to book more frequent teeth cleanings/checkups with a dental health professional to protect their oral and overall health.
3. PREGNANT WOMEN
The shift in hormones experienced during pregnancy can cause patients to experience a higher risk of gum inflammation and other problems. That’s why it’s important to schedule more regular checkups with your family dentist during this period.
4. PATIENTS WITH HEART DISEASE
Dental health and heart health are very closely related, so patients with heart disease can benefit from more frequent dental checkups and cleanings.
5. PATIENTS WHO ARE TAKING CERTAIN MEDICATIONS
Some medications including antidepressants, muscle relaxants and antihistamines can cause dry mouth and raise your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
That’s why it’s important to provide a comprehensive list of all your medications to your dentist or dental hygienist.
6. PATIENTS WHO HAVE A POOR DIET
Eating a consistently poor diet and consuming too much sugar increases your risk of developing certain oral problems including cavities and gum disease. Apart from visiting your dentist more regularly, following a healthier, more balanced diet will protect the long-term health of your mouth and gums.
Call Today
To find out more about our wide range of family dentistry services including teeth cleanings, dental exams, teeth whitening and more, contact our Calgary dental office at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
