You’ve probably heard some myths and misconceptions about preventive dentistry over the years, such as people telling you that you don’t need to see the dentist for six-month visits. And if you want answers, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog from Elite Dentistry, we’ll discuss a few common myths about preventive care and routine dental visits.
Myth #1 – I Don’t Need To See The Dentist For Preventive Care Every Six Months
This is false. The ADA and all other major dental associations recommend that patients see their dentist every six months for preventive care, unless they have received specific instructions from their dentist to visit more (or less) frequently.
Regular preventive visits allow Dr. Mark Ashy to keep an eye on your oral health, identify potential concerns, provide tips for at-home care, and much more, so there are a variety of benefits you can enjoy by coming in for a visit every six months.
Myth #2 – There’s No Reason I Would Need To See The Dentist More Frequently
This is also untrue. Six-month dental visits are just a recommendation, not a “one-size-fits-all” standard for every patient.
If you are very susceptible to tooth decay, you may need more frequent visits to the dentist. Similarly, patients who have periodontal (gum) disease may need to see the dentist every 3-4 months for a deep cleaning to prevent their gum disease from getting worse.
We recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ashy to have your oral health assessed, and find out the proper appointment interval for your unique oral health needs.
Myth #3 – Good At-Home Oral Hygiene Is Not As Important As Seeing The Dentist
This is not true. Seeing the dentist every six months is not a replacement for good at-home oral care.
In fact, proper at-home oral care is usually considered to be more important than dental visits, though both good at-home hygiene and six-month dental visits are the “gold standard” of dental care.
Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes, floss once per day, maintain a healthy diet low in sugar (especially sugary drinks), and follow any special instructions given to you by Dr. Ashy to keep your smile healthy.
Myth #4 – I Can Save Money By Seeing The Dentist Less Often
This is not true, for a variety of reasons. First, most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings and oral exams per year at no cost to you. If you don’t see the dentist twice a year, you’re essentially leaving money on the table, and not utilizing all of your dental benefits.
Even if you don’t have dental insurance, you will pay more in the long run if you don’t see a dentist every six months. This is because you’re more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease. These oral health issues require costly treatments like periodontal cleanings, fillings, or crowns.
Contact Elite Dentistry Today To Get Preventive Care In Orlando
We hope you’ve learned a little bit more about why these myths about visiting the dentist are false. And if you’re overdue for a consultation, now is the best time to get back to your dental routine. Give our team a call at (407) 658-0103 or contact us online to schedule a consultation in Orlando, and get the care you need for a healthy mouth.
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