If it’s been a while since you visited your dentist in Columbia, SC, you might wonder just how frequently you should actually visit us. This is a common question that most of our patients at Smile Columbia ask us. We can’t give you a straight answer because every patient is different, but you can accept as a rule of thumb that you should probably visit us every six months if not more often. Visiting us at the right frequency recommended by your Columbia dentist, Dr. Hahn, is the best way to achieve your healthiest smile yet. We’ve listed our suggestions for how often you should visit us for dental cleanings and exams in addition to visits outside these appointments below.
How Often Should Kids Visit the Dentist?
We recommend that children visit a dentist for their first dental exam sometime after their first tooth erupts. If not then, they should visit a dentist by the time they turn one year old. Although you might think it’s silly to bring your child to the dentist when they are this young and have barely any teeth, it’s actually very important. The sooner we can examine your child’s mouth and oral health, the sooner we can detect potential problems down the line. If we notice anything out of the ordinary, we can interfere to prevent future dental problems. For example, if your baby sucks their thumb, this can cause bite problems and spacing issues in the future. We can help you stop these bad habits from causing serious damage in the future.
We also recommend that children visit the dentist every six months. During these appointments, we will take x-rays, examine their teeth, and provide professional cleanings. We also apply sealants to the teeth and fluoride to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. If your child has any dental problems, Dr. Hahn will recommend the best frequency for your child to visit us.
How Often Should Adults Visit the Dentist?
Adults should also visit the dentist every six months just like children. Unfortunately once most children reach their adult years, they visit the dentist less often, even though it’s more important than ever. We complete the tasks during your visit with us as an adult – exam, x-rays, and cleaning. If we find any problems, we will also address them. You can also talk to us about cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile. If you smoke, are pregnant, have diabetes or another condition that affects your dental health, we may recommend that you visit us more often than every six months.
When Else Should I Visit the Dentist?
Aside from regular dental exams, you can always schedule an appointment to see us if you experience a severe toothache, break or chip a tooth, lose a tooth, have swollen, red or bleeding gums, or even suffer from bad breath. You can also visit us if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile. Dr. Hahn is a wonderful cosmetic dentist in Columbia who’s happy to help you achieve your smile goals.
If you’re overdue for a visit with Columbia dentist, please call (803) 781-9090 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with us.
