By Dr. Joseph D. Lim
When was the last time you’ve seen the dentist?
If you don’t remember, you are not probably seeing the dentist regularly. You’re not alone.
In the United States, only six in 10 or 65 percent of adults had a dental exam or cleaning in the past year.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a visit to the dentist at least twice a year or every six months for cleaning and check-ups that detect oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease at an early stage before they get worse and more difficult (and expensive) to treat. The ADA also recommends that check-ups and professional cleanings depends on the individual whose oral health needs are specific to their age and general health.
“While some people may need check-ups every six months, others with higher risk factors for dental disease may need more frequent visits,” Dr. Natasha M. Flake, President of the American Association of Endodontists, tells Time magazine.
“The best way to determine how often you should go to the dentist is to actually go to the dentist,” Dr. Flake tells Time contributor Perri Ormont Blumberg.
Your friendly dentist will be able to detect early stages of gum diseases and tooth decay. For the elderly, the dentist is able to clean dentures, prosthetics or artificial devices, and do restorations that are more difficult to do and may require time. Contrary to popular belief, people with dentures, including those with complete dentures, need to visit the dentist for general checkup on, for example, the health of their gums or even just to check on the condition of the dentures.
For those who have gum issues, a dental check-up every two or three months may be desirable. Visit your dentist and ask.
Then there are special cases. For example, those who drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products may require professional dental cleanings as often as needed. This is true for those who have not visited the dental office for a long time.
Ditto for people with obesity issues. This is because of the possible inflammatory effects of excess body fat. Obesity has also been linked to the increased risk of gum diseases, tooth decay and dry mouth.
“Prevention is key in dentistry,” Dr. Flake tells Time magazine.
“It is much better to prevent a dental problem than it is to deal with it once it occurs.”
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De La Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./WDJ