When To Visit The Dentist? – Ask Dr. Farooq Sorathia
How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?
This simple question is on a lot of people’s mind and the answer may not be as simple. Regular visits to the dentist should be part of your annual health check routine. Most clinicians recommend a 6-month visit to the dentist whereas others recommend an annual visit. However, this is all dependent on the condition of the oral health status of each individual.
During dental visits, the dentist would assess the oral health status of the individual, take some x-rays, and check for any abnormalities in the mouth and the tongue. The mouth is considered the mirror of your health. In some cases, a dentist would be the first professional to see signs of systemic problems such as leukaemia, HIV, certain gastric conditions and diabetes. It is important to diagnose conditions early and intervention should be initiated as soon as possible. Regular dental visits give the dentist an opportunity to regularly monitor you for the development of tooth decay, gum disease or oral cancer.
Often, I have been asked, “when should I bring my child to the dentist?” I recommend that as soon as the first set of teeth are present in the mouth, a trip to the dentist should be scheduled so that the dentist may assess that the tooth is growing normally and there are no hinderances to the growth. The dentist will also be able to provide guidance on oral hygiene for the child.
To maintain good oral hygiene, one must brush at least twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste, (baby toothpaste for children) for at least two minutes and flossing at least once a day. After each meal, make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water as a bare minimum.
