For most people, visiting their family dental clinic is a regular part of maintaining good overall health. On the other hand, some people only see their dentist every few years, which can lead to more tartar buildup, cavities, gingivitis, and even tooth decay. At Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa, we make sure our patients know the value of visiting the dentist for a professional teeth cleaning and dental x-rays, and that they are doing so on a regular basis. Book your next dental exam with us today, or continue reading to learn how often you should visit the dentist!

Dentistry For Children

It is recommended that children visit the dentist for their first teeth cleaning as soon as their first tooth comes in, which is typically around the time of their first birthday. This is a great way to introduce your child to the dentist from an early age, as they can get to know the staff and start to feel more comfortable in the dental office environment. From there, your child should visit their pediatric dentist as recommended, which is usually twice per year. Not only is this key in preventing cavities, keeping the gums healthy, and monitoring your child’s oral health, but it also helps your child overcome any fears or phobias of the dentist.

Dentistry For Adults

Though adults are past the stage of losing baby teeth and having adult teeth grow in, this does not mean that their oral health is any less important. In fact, your dental needs change as you age depending on your oral hygiene habits, making it especially important to visit your local dental office twice per year for regular teeth cleanings and x-rays. Certain habits, like eating lots of sweets, smoking cigarettes, and neglecting to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis can lead to greater problems, which will result in more frequent dental exams.

If you practice good oral hygiene habits at home, two dental visits per year should be plenty. However, there are certain risk factors that can jeopardize your oral health and lead to more dental visits, including the following:

  • Smoking cigarettes. Consuming tobacco products is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health, as the chemicals in cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vapes can lead to gum disease and oral cancer. Both gum disease and tobacco use are also linked to heart disease, making it especially critical for these patients to prioritize their dental care.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women undergo many physical changes, including inflammation of the feet, hands, and gums. It is important to visit the dentist regularly when you are pregnant to avoid developing gingivitis.
  • Diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to develop oral conditions like gum disease and fungal infections in the mouth, as well as cataracts and blurred vision. Because of this, it is a good precautionary measure for diabetics to visit their dentist and eye doctor several times per year.
  • Cancer treatments. Some forms of chemotherapy can cause dental problems like dry mouth and oral infections. If you are experiencing any of these side effects, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Dental Emergencies

Another reason to visit the dentist more frequently is if you are dealing with dental problems, such as lots of cavities and tartar buildup, gingivitis, toothaches, sensitive teeth, or a dental emergency. As with most other things, it’s best to address these issues early before they worsen — trust us, the last thing you want to deal with is a tooth extraction, gum disease, or oral cancer. If you are having a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth, pussing gums, mouth sores, or a piercing toothache, contact your dentist right away to receive proper treatment.

Book An Appointment At Constitution Dental In Downtown Ottawa

We hope that this blog post has given you a better idea of how often you should visit your local dental clinic and that you will reach out to us when it’s time to book your next dental exam. Contact us today at Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa!