Dental Checkups More than Twice a Year
Not all people can rely on dental checkups every six months. In fact, some people should pay a visit to their Burlington Dentist four times a year or more. Diabetics, who are especially prone to gum disease, should schedule regular dental visits according to their Burlington dentist’s recommendations.
Why Bi-Annual Dental Checkups May Not Be Enough
Research dental checkups on the internet and most recommendations are twice yearly checkups. According to Dr. Mike Morris from Chittenden Dental, every patient is different. There is no one size fits all solution for dental care. That means what is right for your best friend, may not be right for you.
Signs That You Should See Your Dentist in Burlington
How often you see Dr. Morris depends on your oral health. If you are less than diligent with oral hygiene, you should probably schedule professional cleanings more often as plaque and tartar will build up causing tooth decay and gum disease.
Catching a problem early is vital. With regular dental checkups, your Burlington dentist is able to detect cavities and gingivitis before they become more serious. If left unattended, a severe cavity could mean a root canal while gingivitis could develop into periodontal disease. Regular dental appointments can also spot other health problems including diabetes and heart issues.
You May Need More Than Two Dental Checkups a Year if You Are:
- Pregnant
- A Tobacco User
- Undergoing Cancer Treatment
- A Diabetic
- HIV Positive
If you are expecting, pregnancy hormones can inflame your gums leading to gingivitis and other issues.
Smoking and chewing tobacco increase your risk of oral cancer and gum disease.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation may need additional dental appointments to check for infection and dry mouth.
Because diabetics are at risk for gum disease and fungal infections, regular dental checkups avoid the problems associated with oral health issues.
If you are HIV positive, you have a higher risk of infection and tooth decay as your body has a tough time fighting off infection.
Call Your Dentist with Any of the Following Signs
Call your dentist in Burlington if you have chronic oral pain that is getting worse or if your gums are swollen, red and bleed. If you have sores in your mouth that will not heal, are sensitive to hot and cold or have a lose filling it’s time to schedule a dental checkup.
Other signs you need to see the dentist include chronic dry mouth, old dental restoration problems or clicking and pain in your jaw, which could be a symptom of TMJ disorder.
If you are unsure how often you should schedule dental checkups, or haven’t done so in some time, call and schedule an appointment with Chittenden Dental. Dr. Mike Morris and his team will examine your teeth and gums recommending additional dental checkups as needed.
