Do you remember how long it’s been since you last saw your dentist? Unfortunately, going to a dental appointment is sometimes the last thing on your to-do list, if it even makes it on the to-do list at all. And you’re not alone in that! Many people avoid seeing the dentist on a regular basis, whether from fear or lack of time. The truth is, there are millions of Americans who don’t see their dentist with any kind of consistency.

You don’t have to be part of that trend. Seeing your dentist shouldn’t invoke a feeling of fear or dread in you, just like seeing your doctor shouldn’t invoke those same feelings. Let’s take a look at the importance of seeing your dentist.

How Often Should You See Your Dentist?

First, let’s talk about how often you should be seeing your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends that you get a dental checkup at least once every six months. This allows your dentist to check and clean your teeth to prevent any serious oral complications from happening.

While twice a year is the standard rule of thumb, this can change based on your specific oral health needs. Some people need to see their dentist more than twice a year because they are at a higher risk for gum disease or other health problems than others. After your initial checkup and cleaning, your dentist will be able to create a personalized oral health plan that fits your individual needs.

What Happens During a Dental Appointment?

Most of the fear of dental appointments come because people aren’t quite sure what’s going to happen. Many think that they’re going straight to the chair to get their teeth drilled, but that’s not the case! During your first appointment, you’ll get a set of X-rays taken so your dentist can get a more in-depth look at the health of your teeth and gums. Then, you’ll receive a simple cleaning—typically from an oral hygienist.

After this first appointment, your dentist will likely sit down with you to discuss any concerns they may have with your oral health. If necessary, you may make another appointment to come back and have cavities filled or other problems taken care of.

These dental visits are simple processes that do so much for the future of your dental care. Once you have a baseline from which to build, you can begin getting back into a regular habit of maintaining healthy and happy teeth and gums.

Don’t Wait to Make an Appointment

If it’s been a while since you last came to a dental appointment, don’t wait any longer to correct the problem. Schedule a dental appointment with us as soon as possible, so we can start helping you take better care of your teeth and gums. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’ll start developing more serious oral health complications that will take more time and money to fix.