It’s important to see your dentist every six months, or more often if you are at high risk of dental disease. Visiting your dentist for regular check-ups and a cleaning is an important habit when it comes to maintaining your oral health. Many dental professionals recommend that you come in for a check-up every six months or so, but the reality is that, while this is a good guideline, each patient is different. In fact, you may need to see your dentist more often if you have a specific concern that needs to be monitored. Read on to find out how often you should have a check-up, why you might need to see your dentist more often than usual, and why regular dental visits are so important… How often should you have a check-up? Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is a good rule of thumb for most people. Each person, however, has their own unique set of needs when it comes to their oral health, so the frequency of your appointments will depend on a few factors, including your oral hygiene and any underlying medical conditions that you have. Your dentist will let you know when you should come in for a check-up, and customise any treatment according to your circumstances. Who should see the dentist more often? Although most people can maintain their oral health by seeing the dentist twice a year, those who are at greater risk of dental issues like gum disease and tooth loss may need to arrange appointments more regularly. Individuals who may be at high risk of dental disease include pregnant women, people who smoke, diabetics, those who are particularly susceptible to cavities or the build-up of plaque, and individuals with weak immune system response. Why are check-ups so important? Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, it is still essential that you see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. Your dentist is trained to identify and resolve issues that you might not even be aware of. Furthermore, many issues, when identified early, can be effectively treated and further damage can be prevented. Regular check-ups are often a great way to prevent the need for complicated and costly dental work down the line. Besides scheduling regular dental appointments, we also encourage our patients to practice proper oral hygiene daily. This means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene, it’s a good idea to raise them at your dental check-ups as your dentist can provide you with information and advice. How can we help? At Hyde Park Dental Care, we offer a range of general dentistry services, including routine check-ups. By scheduling regular check-ups, our patients are often able to save time, money and discomfort in the dental chair, and achieve optimal oral health. When you come in for a routine check-up, Dr Joffe will check and treat potential risks to your oral health. Your teeth will be professionally cleaned to remove plaque and tartar, and your gums will be examined for signs of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Any discrepancies in the alignment of the teeth, as well as dysfunction of the temporomandibular jaw joint will be identified and a treatment plan will be recommended. If you would like to find out more about dental check-ups at Hyde Park Dental and why they are so important for you and your family, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation with us, please give us a call on 02 9267 9526 or get in touch with us here. We love helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy and happy smiles and are happy to provide you with oral hygiene tips and information at each visit. Don’t forget to share this via Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and LinkedIn.