How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
“How often should I visit the dentist?” is one of the most common questions we hear at our holistic dental practice in London. While many people assume that annual check-ups are sufficient, the truth is that the ideal frequency for dental visits varies from person to person.
Why Is There Confusion About Dental Visit Frequency?
Traditionally, twice-yearly dental check-ups have been the standard advice, but this one-size-fits-all recommendation doesn’t take into account individual differences in oral health, lifestyle, genetics, susceptibility and home care. Some people with excellent dental health may be able to safely visit less often, while others with higher risk factors need more frequent monitoring. So when people ask, “how often should I go to the dentist?”, the best answer isn’t a fixed number but a tailored schedule based on your unique needs.
What Does a Holistic Dentist in London Consider?
At our holistic dental practice in Baker Street, our approach is to assess your oral health in the context of your overall well being. This means considering factors such as:
Your medical history: Certain health conditions and medications can impact your gums, teeth, and mouth’s ability to heal or fight infection. For example, diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, requiring closer dental supervision. Lots of medications can affect your saliva flow and quality.
Lifestyle and habits: Smoking, diet, stress levels, and oral hygiene routines all influence your dental health and how often you should be checked.
Family history: Genetics and genetic mutations can affect your susceptibility to conditions like gum disease or enamel defects, guiding how frequently you need professional care.
Current oral health status: If you have active issues like decay, gum disease, or restorations such as implants or crowns, you’ll need more frequent appointments to maintain optimal health.
Age and developmental factors: Children, teenagers, and older adults often need different dental care schedules tailored to their changing oral needs.
So, How Often Should I Visit the Dentist
Most patients benefit from check-ups annual visits, while others might require appointments every three or four months. We then tailor the next visit on what we see, doing better then we extend the gap. Some signs of disease then shorten the gap.
We would also tailor your dental hygienist visits in between the dentist visits. Some people who smoke, drink a lot of tea/coffee or get more tartar build up like to get their teeth cleaned more regularly.
When you visit Optimal Dental Health, your first appointment includes a 15-point dental health check, looking at everything from your teeth and gums to lifestyle and airway health. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, we recommend a personalised recall interval that fits your health status and goals.
The Benefits of a Holistic Dental Approach
Holistic dentistry means treating the whole person, not just the symptoms in your mouth. By integrating your dental care with your overall health, we can help prevent problems before they start and manage existing issues more effectively.
Regular, personalised dental visits allow us to:
Detect early signs of decay and gum disease, preventing costly and invasive treatments later
Monitor and manage systemic health issues that manifest orally, such as vitamin deficiencies or signs of diabetes
Support your immune system and natural healing through minimally invasive treatments and lifestyle advice
Address issues like TMJ disorders, sleep apnea, and airway health that affect your quality of life beyond your teeth
Provide tailored oral hygiene education and product recommendations for your unique needs
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering “how often should I visit the dentist?” or “how often should I go to the dentist?”, the best step is to consult with a holistic dentist in London who can provide a tailored plan just for you.
Remember, regular dental visits are an investment in your overall health, helping you avoid painful, expensive problems down the line and maintain a bright, healthy smile for life.
Ready to find out your ideal dental visit frequency?
Book a 15-point dental health check with us at Optimal Dental Health, where we look at your whole health to keep your smile and your body thriving.
You can call us on 020 3921 1000 or email our team at hello@optimaldental.co.uk.
