A “vital” medical visit you can POSTPONE?
It happens like CLOCKWORK…
You don’t BAT AN EYE when it rolls around…
And chances are, you’ve been doing it over and over for YEARS!
Even though it’s been part of your “standard” health and wellness for what seems like DECADES…
There’s research that suggests you may not need to mark your calendar for this “vital” medical visit as often as you’ve been led to believe!
According to a study led by the University of Manchester and Cochrane Oral Health, the interval between your dentist visits depends entirely upon your personal overall oral health.
So, if you have a pre-existing oral issue—like gum disease, gingivitis, or even a history of cavities—going to the dentist twice a year likely suits your dental needs.
But if you DON’T have a history of oral health issues—or have a LOW risk of dental disease—there’s a good chance you can space out those visits.
In fact, if you have good oral health and prioritize your oral hygiene, the study suggests you can schedule your checkups every TWO years.
Now, this is not suggesting you AVOID your dentist. Because even if you have pristine oral health, you still need to take care of your mouth.
And if you have any gum or dental issues you should definitely see your dentist more often than not.
But, if you’re one of the lucky ones with little-to-no plaque buildup, your gums look great, and there aren’t any other concerns—it’s worth inquiring about how often you need to be seen.
And in between those visits, there’s plenty you can do to keep your mouth healthy.
To start, always stick with ‘the basics.’ Because there’s no substitute to brushing at least twice daily, and flossing regularly.
Also, make sure to replace your toothbrush regularly. I replace mine every three months, and I opt for toothbrushes with soft or extra-soft bristles.
There’s also oil pulling—an ancient technique that has been proven to “pull” away the bacteria that causes gum disease that regular brushing, mouthwash, and even flossing sometimes can’t touch.
And remember, it’s important that you talk to your dentist before making any abrupt changes to your oral hygiene.
In Your Corner,
Dr. Allan Spreen
Sources:
Addelman, Michael. “Study shows traditional six-month dental check-ups not necessary for healthy adults.” https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-10-traditional-six-month-dental-check-ups-healthy.html
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