How Often Do You Need To See A Dentist?

We all know that keeping our teeth healthy and clean cannot be overlooked. Moreover, our oral health is closely related to our overall health.¹

After all, you do not want to suffer from tooth decay or gum disease or go through a painful dental procedure in the end. Getting your teeth cleaned regularly can prevent gingivitis, plaque buildup, and cavities.

You may think that seeing a dentist only when you experience tooth pain is enough. However, it is not when one is in pain then we see a dentist. We should have regular check ups to make sure that our pearly whites are in tip-top condition

A prospective cohort study published in Journal Dental Research (JDR) showed that routine dental attendance is associated with better health.²

Simply put, regular check-ups and dentist visits are necessary for healthy teeth and gums throughout your life.

But, you may be wondering how often should you visit a dentist. Let us find out!

The Real Score of Oral Health in Singapore

Before you discover how often we’ll need to see a dentist. Let us first see the latest facts about oral health in Singapore based on the research by GSK Consumer Healthcare and IPSOS.³

• Only 19% of Singaporeans visited a dental clinic for check-ups or cleanings since the pandemic.
• About 36% of Singaporeans have reduced their frequency or stopped seeing a dentist during the pandemic.
• Sensitive teeth, stained or yellow teeth, and plaque are among the top three (3) oral health conditions experienced by Singaporeans.
• Consumption of snacks increase by 26%, coffee or tea intake increased by 23% and about 15% increase in frozen treats during the pandemic
• Only 14% of Singaporeans claimed to brush their teeth regularly

The survey findings showed that Singaporeans have been lax in their oral hygiene. Their lifestyle changed since the pandemic, with less frequent visits to the dentist this has led to worsening oral hygiene. 80%of Singaporeans have gum disease.

Poor oral health practices can still be changed and corrected. We need regular dental checks.

What are the Advantages of Regular Dental Visits?

There is a wide range of advantages when you visit a dentist regularly. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider booking an appointment with a dentist.

1. Prevent Dental Health Issues

Dentists are always concerned with preventative dental health. Through routine check-ups and cleaning, dental and oral diseases can be prevented. Moreover, they can teach you the proper dental care at home to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

2. Helps to Detect Signs of Oral Cancer

Based on 2008 to 2012 data, about 500 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in Singapore. It has an average of more than 100 cases a year. ⁴

A dentist can perform oral cancer screening to see the signs of oral cancer in your mouth. ⁵

They can check for abnormalities in the structures of the dental cavity and if swellings, bumps, or lumps inside the mouth. There is a higher survival rate for those who seek early treatment for oral cancer which is “upwards of” 85 to 90 per cent.⁶

3. Provides Dental Treatment

A dentist is a licensed oral healthcare practitioner that can help you with your dental and oral health concerns. Whether it’s tooth decay, stained teeth, cracked teeth, impacted teeth or cavities, a dentist can help you fix these problems.

4. Helps to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums

A dentist can give good oral hygiene advice essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Moreover, a dentist can perform periodontal maintenance by removing tartar with an ultrasonic device. This can help you to maintain a healthy smile.

Going for a regular dental routine is a great habit which keeps your smile happy and healthy.

But, how often should you go for a dental visit?

How Often Should You See a Dentist?

As a standard recommendation, it is ideal to visit a dentist at least once every six months to keep the teeth in good condition.

On the other hand, if you have special oral health needs or problems, you may need to visit the dentist more often.

Dental Visit Frequency for Adults

Adults May Need to Visit More Than Once Every Six Months.

Get your teeth cleaned and treated.

Adults should visit a dentist at least once every six months. But if you have a high risk of gum disease because of underlying diseases (e.g. diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease and kidney disease), one needs to go for more frequent scaling treatment by a dentist. One can also prevent having dental caries by getting fluoride treatment from the dentist. Any cavity present will need to be filled in order to prevent needing root canal treatment or worse, needing a tooth removal at a subsequent stage. Hence, frequent visits to the dentist are paramount.

While the dentist is checking your teeth, a dentist should check and review your brushing and flossing habits. One should also discuss eating habits and how these can affect your oral health.

Book an appointment with a Licensed Dentist in Singapore Today!

Dental Visit Frequency for Children

Parents should help their children develop good oral care habits. This includes bringing their child to visit a dentist every six months. The dentist will also recommend a cleaning schedule for your child.

When you bring your child for their dental check-up at about 4 to 7 years of age, the dentist will look for any signs of tooth decay or early tooth decay. They will also at times take X-rays of their teeth to check for cavities, growing teeth, and any hidden tooth problems.

A dentist may also schedule your child to visit a dental clinic more often, such as every three months – especially if your kid has high tooth decay rates.

Book an appointment with a Pediatric Dentist!

We are Happy to Answer Queries regarding Your Dental Health

Let us help with your dental health concerns. You can Schedule an Appointment today at

Kong Dental Surgery at the following clinics:

• Choa Chu Kang Dental Clinic – Call +65 6769 5833
• Dental Clinic Yew Tee – Call: +65 6767 9502
• Jurong East Dental Clinic – Call +65 6251 3098
• Dental Clinic Teck Whye Lane – Call +65 6219 5898
• Sunshine Place Dental Clinic – Call +65 6493 2587

References

• 1. Dörfer, C., Benz, C., Aida, J., & Campard, G. (2017). The relationship of oral health with general health and NCDs: a brief review. International Dental Journal, 67, 14–18. https://doi.org/10.1111/idj.12360
• 2. Thomson, W. M., Williams, S. M., Broadbent, J. M., Poulton, R., & Locker, D. (2010). Long-term dental visiting patterns and adult oral health. Journal of dental research, 89(3), 307–311. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034509356779
• 3. Howell, P. (2021, March 22). Singaporeans more lax in oral hygiene since pandemic: study. Singapore Business Review.  https://sbr.com.sg/healthcare/news/singaporeans-more-lax-in-oral-hygiene-pandemic-study
• 4. Fighting Oral Cancer with Drool. (n.d.). Www.ndcs.com.sg. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from  https://www.ndcs.com.sg/giving/fighting-oral-cancer-with-drool
• 5. Oral cancer screening – Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Www.mayoclinic.org. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from  https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-cancer-screening/about/pac-20394802
• 6. Check your mouths regularly, doctors urge, as oral cancer patients get younger. (n.d.). CNA. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/oral-cancer-mouth-how-do-self-check-2225031