When Would You Need To Visit A Dentist More Than Twice A Year?
In most cases, dentists will tell patients to come back every six months to get their teeth examined and cleaned; however, there are times when dentists encourage people to come more often than this. If your dentist recommends coming more frequently than twice a year, it is most likely because you are considered a high-risk patient. Here are several things you should know about high-risk dental patients.
What is a high-risk patient?
A high-risk patient in dentistry is a person who has a higher risk of developing oral problems. Oral problems can include cavities, gum disease, and other issues with the teeth or gums. If your dentist considers you a high-risk patient, it is most likely for a specific reason.
What would cause you to be a high-risk patient?
There are a variety of reasons dentists place patients in the high-risk category, and here are some of the reasons:
- Smoking – If you smoke, you have a higher chance of developing all kinds of oral problems, including gum disease. Smoking would automatically make you a high-risk patient to a dentist.
- Pregnancy – Women who are pregnant tend to be considered high-risk patients too, and this is primarily because pregnancy can have numerous types of negative effects on a person's oral health.
- Gum disease – Anyone who currently has gum disease will also need to see a dentist more often. Dentists recommend this so that they can closely monitor the condition of a person's gums when the person struggles with gum disease.
Anyone with a health condition that causes a weakened immune system would also be considered a high-risk patient to most dentists.
How often would you need to visit a dentist if you are a high-risk patient?
If you have any condition that places you in the high-risk category, you might need to visit a dentist three to four times a year instead of only twice. If you are not sure if you are a high-risk patient or how often you should visit a dentist, talk to a dentist to find out. By visiting a dentist more frequently, you will have a better chance of keeping your teeth and gums healthier.
Taking good care of your teeth by visiting a dentist regularly is important if you want to avoid oral problems. To learn more about good oral care habits, call a local dental clinic to set up a visit with a dentist, like one from Rupp and Grabowski Family Dentistry, today.
