Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see a dentist regularly as there are certain problems that you cannot see or feel. Going to the dentist on a regular schedule not only helps keep your teeth and gums healthy but can also detect problems early, such as cavities, gum disease, and even cancer. If you wait until you have symptoms to seek care you will likely incur higher costs with longer and more involved procedures.
Under normal circumstances, most adults should see their dentist for a regular check up and thorough cleaning once every six months. However, people with certain risk factors should see their dentist more than twice a year.
Risk factors for oral disease include: smoking, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. If you have a history of periodontal or gum disease you should discuss this with Dr. Dixon if you need to be seen more often.