When was the last time you saw the dentist for a routine cleaning?
Your smile helps you laugh, enjoy your favorite foods and talk to friends and loved ones. Your smile is there for a lot of the important parts of your life so it’s just as important that you show just how much you appreciate it by providing your mouth with proper care. Along with practicing good oral hygiene, it’s also important that you are visiting our Pittsburgh, PA, dentist, Dr. Gary Carmassi, for regular general dentistry checkups.
So, just how often do you need to see the dentist for care?
Any dentist will tell you that everyone, regardless of age, needs to visit the dentist for general dentistry care (this includes both cleanings and checkups) twice a year. This equates to visiting the dentist every six months.
However, there are instances in which you may need to come in more frequently for care. This may be the case if,
- You’re dealing with gum disease
- You’re a smoker
- You are pregnant or menopausal (hormonal fluctuations increase the risk for gum disease and other dental problems)
- You are prone to an increase in plaque and tartar buildup
- You have heart disease
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have diabetes
It’s important to talk with your dentist about how often you should come in for preventive dental care. Once a year, we will also perform X-rays to look for decay and any underlying problems that we may not be able to detect through an oral exam alone. These imaging tests can also help us monitor the development of permanent teeth and how wisdom teeth are coming in to determine whether teeth need to be extracted or whether your child or teen could benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Does everyone require dental care?
This is a resounding, yes! You can’t outgrow the dentist. Children should start visiting the dentist as early as one year old, and they will come in every six months just like you do. Here at our Pittsburgh, PA, practice, we treat everyone from 1 to 100 years old.
Remember, making your oral health a priority will ensure that you maintain a healthy smile for your whole life. These six-month checkups are just one easy way to keep your teeth and gums feeling and looking their best.
If it’s been more than six months since you last visited Dr. Gary Carmassi for general dentistry and preventive care, then it’s time to give us a call at (412) 367-4515. We would be happy to schedule cleanings for the whole family.