A Guide To How Often Should You Go To The Dentist

A-Guide-On-How-Often-Should-You-Go-To-The-Dentist

Oral health is very important in our overall well-being, yet it sometimes takes a back seat in our healthcare routine. Through this guide, we delve into the critical importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, particularly emphasizing the role of routine dental check-ups. These check-ups serve as a proactive measure against various dental issues, safeguarding our smiles and overall health. Let’s explore how often you should go to the dentist and their profound impact on your regular life.

Understanding Oral Health

Oral health is integral to overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups are crucial, yet only 48.8% of Australian adults (18+) receive them annually.

The first dental check-up often serves as a crucial starting point in a child’s dental care routine, fostering healthy habits for lifelong oral health. Neglecting oral care leads to dental problems like decay and gum disease. Left untreated, these issues cause pain, discomfort, and difficulties in daily activities.

Poor oral health connects to systemic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Timely check-ups aid early detection and prevention, ensuring optimal oral health. Prioritizing dental care contributes significantly to overall physical and mental wellness. For more insights, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) offers comprehensive resources on maintaining oral health.

Who Should Go To The Dentist More Often?

Each of these groups requires tailored attention and specific dental care considerations to maintain optimal oral health at different life stages. Regular dental check-ups play a central role in addressing individual oral health needs and ensuring overall well-being.

  • Diabetics

Diabetics should prioritize regular dental check-ups due to their increased vulnerability to gum disease and oral infections. High blood sugar levels weaken the ability of our body to combat bacteria, elevating the risk of gum infections and bone loss. More frequent dental visits aid in the early detection and proper management of potential oral health issues, contributing to better overall health for diabetics.

  • Pregnant People

Pregnant individuals are more susceptible to oral health problems like gum disease and tooth decay due to hormonal changes. Regular dental check-ups during pregnancy are crucial to address these issues, ensuring optimal oral health for both the mother and baby. Dental visits are generally safe during pregnancy, providing an opportunity to manage oral health concerns effectively.

  • Smokers

Smokers are at higher risk of various oral health issues. Smoking and its effects include gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Due to these elevated risks, individuals who smoke should schedule more frequent dental visits. Regular check-ups enable early detection of oral health problems, facilitating timely interventions and necessary treatments. Dentists can also offer guidance and support for smoking cessation.

  • Tobacco Eaters

Similar to smokers, individuals who consume tobacco through chewing or other means face increased risks of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups are essential for this group to monitor and manage oral health issues effectively. Dentists can provide tailored guidance and treatments to mitigate the risks associated with tobacco use.

  • Children

Children should visit the dentist regularly to ensure proper oral health development, prevent cavities, and receive guidance on oral hygiene practices. Routine dental check-ups help instill good oral habits early in life and allow for timely intervention in case of any emerging dental issues. Specialized care and orthodontic assessments may also be required for some children.

  • Senior Citizens

Senior citizens often face specific oral health challenges like dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Regular dental visits become increasingly important with age to address these concerns and prevent potential oral health problems. Dentists can offer personalized care, including denture adjustments, treatment for gum disease, and advice on maintaining oral hygiene.

When Should You Go To The Dentist?

Regular dental visits help prevent the following issues and allow for early detection and intervention when problems arise. Dentists offer comprehensive care and expertise in addressing various dental concerns, emphasizing the importance of choosing a local dentist for personalized and accessible oral health care.

Dental health issues that make going to the dentist necessary:

  1. Tooth Pain or Sensitivity: Persistent toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort while chewing could indicate various dental problems like cavities, cracked teeth, or infections. Prompt dental assessment is crucial to identify the underlying cause and prevent further complications.
  2. Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, may signify gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Visiting the dentist is essential to evaluate gum health, as untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and affect overall health.
  3. Oral Infections: Mouth infections, such as abscesses or sores, require professional assessment and treatment. Ignoring these infections can lead to severe pain, swelling, and systemic complications if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
  4. Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) may stem from various dental issues like gum disease, cavities, dry mouth, or underlying health conditions. A dentist can determine the cause as well as recommend appropriate treatment.
  5. Loose or Missing Teeth: Loose teeth or sudden tooth loss may result from trauma, advanced gum disease, or other underlying dental conditions. Seeking immediate oral care is essential to prevent further tooth loss and explore restoration options.
  6. Dental Trauma: Accidents causing dental injuries, such as chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, necessitate urgent dental attention. Quick action boosts the chances of saving the affected teeth.
  7. Unexplained Changes in Oral Tissues: Any unusual changes in the oral tissues, like lumps, bumps, or white or red patches, should be examined by a dentist. Early detection of oral cancer or other abnormalities is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
  8. Orthodontic Issues: Problems with jaw alignment, bite irregularities, or misaligned teeth warrant a visit to the dentist, especially for orthodontic evaluations or adjustments.

To ascertain the importance of choosing a local dentist visit our resourceful content Why You Should Choose A Local Dentist?

Is Preventive Dental Care Necessary?

Preventive dental care encompasses proactive measures to maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental issues. It involves timely practices like brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Routine dental visits, ideally every six months, facilitate early detection of problems such as gum diseases, cavities or oral cancer. Professional cleanings remove plaque as well as tartar buildup, reducing the risk of dental diseases. Preventive care not only safeguards oral health but also contributes to overall well-being by minimizing the need for extensive treatments. Consistent preventive measures, coupled with regular dental checkups, establish a solid foundation for oral health.

Read our guide on How To Brush Your Teeth? And get to know about tips and techniques for effective brushing.

How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?

Regular dental check-ups are vital for keeping up good oral health. The recommended frequency for dental visits typically falls around twice a year or every six months. However, individual needs might vary based on specific oral health conditions, age, and risk factors.

For many people, visiting the dentist twice annually is sufficient for preventive care, enabling the detection of any emerging issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancers. However, those with a higher risk of oral health problems, such as smokers, diabetics, or individuals prone to cavities, might require more frequent visits, as advised by their dentist.

It’s essential to adhere to your dentist’s recommendations regarding visit frequency, as they can tailor a schedule based on your oral health needs. These routine visits not only aid in preventing potential dental problems but also ensure early detection and timely treatment if issues arise.

Remember, keeping good oral hygiene practices at home, coupled with regular dental check-ups, is the cornerstone of a healthy smile and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Prioritize visiting a dentist, as it’s crucial for maintaining excellent oral health and overall well-being. Understanding the significance of regular visits to the dentist helps prevent potential dental issues, ensure early detection, and ensure timely treatment when necessary.

Our comprehensive dental care caters to specific needs at different life stages. Take your first step with Oris Dental, towards a long-lasting, beautiful smile, and schedule your appointment today! For personalized oral health guidance and accessible care, visit your partner in optimal dental wellness.

FAQs

How often do Australians visit their dentists?

On average, statistics indicate that around 48.8% of Australian adults aged 18 and above attend dental check-ups annually. However, this figure varies among individuals due to factors such as personal oral health, access to dental care, as well as awareness of the importance of regular dental visits. While bi-annual check-ups are generally recommended, this frequency might differ based on specific dental needs and conditions, such as gum health, cavity risk, or chronic health conditions.

When should a child have their first dental visit?

It’s advised that children should have their first dental visit either when their first teeth emerge or by the age of 12 months, whichever comes first. The initial dental visit is essential for parents to receive guidance on proper oral hygiene practices for infants and toddlers. Moreover, it allows the dentist to monitor the child’s oral development and address any emerging concerns.

When should an infant go to the dentist?

Infants should ideally visit the dentist when their first tooth erupts or around their first birthday. These initial visits are primarily educational for parents and caregivers, offering insights into proper infant oral care, teething management, and guidance on nutrition for good oral health. Additionally, early dental visits enable dentists to examine the infant’s oral development and identify any potential issues at an early stage. This early intervention aids in promoting healthy oral habits from a young age.

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi - Dentist at Oris Dental

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.

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Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi

Dr. Adarsh Pisharodi, serving as the principal dentist at Oris Dental, brings a wealth of expertise spanning over 26 years to his esteemed practice. Specializing in cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and orthodontics, he takes immense pride in rejuvenating countless smiles and instilling confidence in Sunshine Coast residents. As an esteemed member of the Australian Dental Association and esteemed dental societies, he remains steadfast in delivering exceptional care to his patients.

Adarsh (Principal Dentist)

Adarsh

Adarsh (A-Dash) is the principal dentist at Oris Dental. Adarsh graduated as a dentist in 1996 from the University of Mumbai (Bombay, India). He entered private practice as an assistant dentist in one of the leading practices in Mumbai from 1996-2002. The practice offered all aspects of dentistry with the exception of Orthodontics. This prompted Adarsh to pursue a post graduate degree in Orthodontics and successfully completed the 3 year Full time the master’s program from University of Mumbai (Bombay, India) in 2005. Since then, Adarsh has been in private practice both as a general dentist and an orthodontist. He also served as teaching faculty at University in Mumbai for 3 yrs and when in India, he has been ‘the dentist’ to many dentists!! In 2008, Adarsh took the Australian Dental Council exam for direct recognition of his skill in Australia. He successfully completed the exams in the first attempt and moved to Australia early 2009. He has been in private practice in Australia since Jan 2009. Oris Dental was set up in Minyama in 2011. Oris Dental is now over 8 years old and is growing to be a well-respected practice in the area. He is particularly interested in Cosmetic dentistry Dental implants and Orthodontics. Adarsh hopes to use all the experience he has gained in the past 22 years, to offer the best in dentistry to all his patients in this practice. Adarsh believes in spreading smiles and has successfully designed smiles and in doing so improved the lives and self-confidence of many Sunshine Coast locals (Take a look at our Smile gallery!). Adarsh is an active member of the Australian Dental Association since 2009 He held the post of Senior Lecturer in Orthodontics in Mumbai University before moving to Australia. He is a Life member of the Indian Dental Association, serving as the General Secretary of the Association (Mumbai City Chapter) 2007-2009 He is Life member of the Indian Orthodontic Society. He is Candidate for Membership Examination MRACDS (Ortho) and plans to complete his membership exams soon. Adarsh is also currently pursuing his Diploma in Implant dentistry at the Royal College of Surgeons(Edinburgh). Adarsh has recently complete intensive training in implant placement and restoration in Neoss and TRI (Swiss) Implant system. He is married to Prachi for 15yrs and they have a 11 yr old son – Aarjav, a little daughter Aria who has just started prep and Daisy the mad Lab pup! He is currently learning to play Tennis and Badminton and loves watching the cricket!

Prachi (Owner/ Dentist)

Prachi

Prachi is the director, part time dentist at Oris Dental. Prachi graduated in 2002 from Nair hospital dental college, Mumbai (Bombay, India), one of the leading dental schools in Asia. She then worked in multiple private practices across Mumbai (Bombay, India). While working as a dentist in various practices she picked up the positives from them and implemented them into this practice at Oris Dental. She is very friendly by nature and is particularly good at handling children, preventive dentistry and hygiene. Prachi moved to Australia in 2009. Prachi has there on completed her Australian Dental council exams successfully in early 2011 and is now ready to bring in her 12 years of experience to Oris Dental. Prachi also serves as a part time dentist at the Oral Health Services Sunshine Coast in Caloundra Kawana and Nambour as needed.

Davina (Dentist)

Davina

Davina has been a part of our family since 2014. After completing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Queensland, Davina has been in private practice in an around the Sunshine coast for a year before joining us full time. Davina shows exemplary skills in building a great relationship and rapport with her patients and is well regarded by her peers. Davina is very highly regarded by her current patients. Davina currently works 3 days a week.

Lise Slack (Dental Hygienist)

Lise Stack

Our dental hygienist Lise Slack is a trained member of the dental team who works together with your dentist in preventing gum diseases and dental decay.

Lise joined OrisDental in 2015 and has worked extensively in private specialist practices. She graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in 1982 and has had specific training and exposure to an extensive range of periodontal conditions and treatment modalities.

Lise’s dad was a professor in dentistry and this is where her love of teeth comes from. She has invented two specialist oral care products which are available in Australia and several international countries. Lise has also lectured at international dental conferences on the maintenance of dental implants and how to help patients care for their teeth once they have contracted periodontitis.

Both adults and children can benefit from having an appointment with a dental hygienist as they are taught how dental diseases occur and how it can be prevented or managed.

Lise is married to Sam and they have two daughters. They value their family time and love adventurous outdoor sports.

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jesse (Dental Assistant)

Jess has been a part of Oris Dental from the outset in 2011. Always cheerful and welcoming Jess is the star amongst our patients at our practice. If you cannot find Jess in the practice she will be at the beach!

 

Kaela (Receptionist)

Debra (Receptionist)

Kaela arrived at our practice in early 2021. Coming from eight years of retail experience in Northern NSW, she loves working with people and assisting in any way she can. Kaela has also just finished her training as a dental assistant. You will immediately fall in love with her happy, bubbly personality.

Abby (Sr. Dental Assistant)

Abby (Dental Assistant)

Abby is originally from Hervey Bay, but she has been calling the Sunshine Coast home with her husband and two kids for the past four and a half years. Abby completed her cert III in dental assisting in 2015 and is looking to further her studies In the near future. Abby enjoys camping, playing guitar, and travelling
the world with her family.

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    Dr. Param Dass

    Dr. Param Dass

    Param Dass graduated with a Bachelor in Dentistry from the University of Otago, NZ in 2005. He went on to complete his Bachelor in Medicine from the University of Auckland NZ in 2010.

    Param started working part time in our practice since 2015 with special interest in surgical procedures including Dental implants and bone grafting procedures, Surgical extractions including Wisdom teeth and other minor surgical procedures.

    Param is well known for being gentle and caring in treating patients with dental anxiety and maintains a calm demeanour.

    He is also well trained in working with patients with various levels of anxiety, offering dental treatment under Happy Gas, Twilight sedation or under Full general anaesthetic.

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Dr. Brayden Fracchia

    Brayden hails from North Queensland, having completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at JCU Cairns, practicing in Hobart and outreach dentistry from Mount Isa over the course of his studies. He has worked with us since 2020. Brayden enjoys becoming a part of a community and enjoys the outdoors and sport in his spare
    time. Having only recently moved to the beautiful Sunshine Coast, Brayden is enthusiastic and well versed in all aspects of basic general dentistry and looks forward to bringing North Queensland hospitality to the South East.

    Briar

    Briar

    Briar stated off as a trainee dental assistant in our practice mid-2020. She is the youngest member of our practice and is rapidly becoming an integral part of team Oris. Briar completed her Certificate 3 in our practice in 2021 and works full time Dental assistant at Oris Dental.

    Drew

    Drew

    Drew is Oris Dental’ newest member, who has only recently moved from his hometown of Rockhampton. He is our Oral Health Therapist, who specializes in oral health education, general check-ups, fillings and more!
    He loves a good chat and a laugh at work. He prioritizes patient’s comfort and likes to encourage an environment where everyone feels a sense of security and safety in the dental setting. When Drew isn’t at work you’ll find him having a refreshing swim at the beach or having his usual dirty chai at his local cafe.

    Jasmine

    Jasmine

    Jasmine joined our practice in November 2021 and works with our Oral Health Therapist Drew. Jasmine is new to dental assistance, however is quickly taking on any and all challenges that come her way! She loves animals, and spending quality time with her husband and two kids. Welcome to the team!

    Brooke

    Brooke

    Brooke is originally from Brisbane but has been living on the coast since 2017. She brings over 15 years of experience in the dental industry and has had the opportunity to work in London and Melbourne for the Royal Flying Doctors. Brooke enjoys surfing, scuba diving and exploring the many things that the Sunny Coast has to offer.

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