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Do you book an appointment to see a dentist at least twice per year?
According to the Canadian Dental Association, most people should be visiting a dentist at least once every six months to catch small problems early. While that timeline is standard for most Canadians, a dentist can tell you whether or not you should be making an appointment more or less frequent than that.
You may want to visit a dentist more frequently if you have gum issues like gingivitis, have a history of cavities, if you smoke tobacco or other inhalants, or have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Aside from catching problems like cavities and gingivitis early, frequent visits to the dentist can also detect signs of oral cancer. Dental professionals can also conduct professional cleanings to remove tartar you can’t brush off.
It's important to get an early start on dental care, so that your child will learn that visiting the dentist is a regular part of health care. If you think there is a problem, take your child to the dentist right away, no matter what age.
The Canadian Dental Association notes if you are a nervous dental patient, ask your spouse or another family member to take the child for the appointment. If your child senses that you are nervous, he or she may feel nervous too.
It’s also important to add visiting a dentist can be expensive, especially without insurance. You should consult with your dentist about any costs before the work is done to avoid any surprises afterwards.
Some people qualify for insurance under the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Enrolled participants can receive 40 to 100 per cent of dental services covered.
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