When Did You See Your Dentist Last?
Check your calendar. It may be time to book a dentist appointment. Most adults should visit their dentist yearly to help prevent dental diseases1 and tooth loss.2 Some people, including those with diabetes3 or periodontal (gum) disease,4 may need more frequent checkups.
Most children should take a seat in the dentist’s chair at least twice a year.5 Book your child’s first visit within six months of her first tooth arriving, or no later than her first birthday.6
Between dentist visits, your family can keep their mouths healthy by:
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Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
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Flossing daily7
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Avoiding too many sugary8 or starchy snacks9
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Not using tobacco products9
1 “Medline Plus: Physical Exam Frequency.”U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, May 13, 2008. www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/002125.htm Accessed 2010.
2 “Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep Them Healthy.”American Academy of Family Physicians, June 2007. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/prevention/100.html Accessed 2010.
3 “Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease, National Institutes of Health, April 2008. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/complications_teeth Accessed 2010.
4 “Treating Periodontal Diseases.” ADA Division of Communications. Journal of the American Dental Association. January 2005, vol. 136, p. 127. www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_23.pdf Accessed 2010.
5 “Regular Dental Visits.” American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/regdent.asp Accessed 2010.
6 “Baby Teeth.” American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3084.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.
7 “Tooth Decay (Cavities/Caries).” American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3031.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.
8 “Medline Plus: Dental Health.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, September 15, 2008 www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentalhealth.html Accessed 2010.
9 “Oral Health for Adults.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 21, 2006. www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/publications/factsheets/adult.htm Accessed 2010.