It’s no secret that your dental health plays an important role in everyday life. Healthy teeth and gums allow you to eat comfortably, speak clearly and smile with confidence. However, the question remains, how often should you have a dental check up? Let’s look at the right check-up schedule based on your risk factors and individual dental health.
How Often Should You Book a Dental Check Up
Knowing how long to leave between your dental checkups is crucial. Regular visits allow for problems to be identified earlier before they develop into serious dental health issues like extractions. Most dentists will recommend an appointment schedule based on the current condition of your teeth and gums. To help guide this decision, patients may be placed into one of these three categories depending on their dental health.
The green zone
The green zone is where your dentist considers the patient’s dental health to be stable and well maintained. This is the ideal position for all patients.
Falling into the green zone usually means you won’t require another appointment for 6 to 12 months. These check ups are still important because they allow your dentist to remove excess plaque and tartar build up, which, if left untreated, can lead to decay. Ensure you’re flossing daily and using a quality toothbrush in the interim and contact your dentist if you experience pain, sensitivity or discomfort between Gosford Family Dentists appointments.
The orange zone
If your dentist has noticed minor concerns during your check up that could affect your dental health, you’ll be considered in the orange zone. This could include early signs of tooth decay, mild sensitivity, or areas of plaque build up. Patients in the orange zone will be advised to attend appointments every six months. Incorporating regular visits will monitor your dental health and address any minor concerns before they become bigger issues. Your dentist may also recommend more vigilance with your hygiene routine. For example, reducing sugary diets and increasing water intake to help remove plaque build-up.
The red zone
The red zone is for higher risk patients, such as gum disease, excessive tooth wear or infections. You must see your dentist every 3 months or sooner to closely monitor your dental health and intervene with treatment where required.
Book your dental check up with Gosford Family Dentists
Regular dental check ups are the safest, most effective way to ensure good dental health throughout your life. Contact Gosford Family Dentists today on (02) 4325 3221 to arrange your appointment and support your ongoing dental health.
