Answer: 12 months for a healthy adult with great oral hygiene and minimal dental procedures.

To keep your teeth and gums healthy and to avoid infection, have regular checkups and cleanings every six months. Remember, visiting the dentist is a preventive measure and is much cheaper to go to the dentist bi-yearly rather than waiting until something doesn’t feel right or pain occurs. 

If you skip dental appointments, you are more at risk for bacteria to build and attack your teeth, gums and create decay that may require extensive restorations, such as a root canal or crown. When bad bacteria builds in your mouth, you can be at risk for gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay and bad breath. This also can lead to expensive, invasive dental procedures that may be avoidable if you attend your  bi-yearly dental appointments.

Your oral health is more important to your overall health than you might realize. Like other areas of the body, your mouth contains both good (yay!) and bad bacteria (yikes!) that can lead to other serious health problems. When bad bacteria overpowers good bacteria in your mouth, the bacteria levels can lead to oral infection, heart disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, pneumonia and endocarditis. 

To protect your oral health, practice good oral hygiene daily:

Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is great to strengthen enamel, prevent cavities and protect the overall health of your teeth. Brushing with fluoride is easy, preventative and should be utilized daily.

Flossing is important because it goes deeper than your normal toothbrush can. Flossing removes plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease. More info about the importance of flossing.

After flossing and brushing your teeth, mouth washing is extremely important. Mouthwash helps to remove stubborn food particles left after brushing and flossing, kills bacteria, strengthens enamel, prevents tooth decay and promotes good breath.

I know, I know, I know, candy is delicious… but does it really make your body feel good? The best thing to remember when trying to eat healthily, is eat things that you know will make you feel good. Avoid eating anything with added sugar. Not only will added sugar make you feel sluggish and tired, but it can contribute to cavities and tooth decay. 

Replacing your toothbrush about every three months, or when the brussels are limp, splayed or worn, will help you continue to practice good, healthy oral hygiene. 

Practicing good oral hygiene will lead to a healthier, happier life. If you need a new dentist, don’t like your dentist or in need of a dental second opinion, NoBull Dental is here to help! NoBull Dental will find you your ideal dentist based on your personal needs and help you live a healthy life. Just take our quiz!

• Diagnosing teeth with fractures is critical if you want to avoid extractions and/or root canals, etc. Most teeth that break, need extractions, implants, and/or root canals have signs many months if not years prior. The warning signs are often missed

• Lowering your mouths bacteria load via professional cleaning will help starve off bad breath (halitosis).

• Not understanding and/or maintaining your gum health since it is the #1 reason why people loose teeth, (not tooth decay).

• Learning about diet, healthy proactive habits and tools can help you keep healthier teeth and gums longer.

• I have great teeth; how often do I need to see a dentist?
• Do I really need to see a dentist every 6 months?
• Do I need to go to the dentist if I don’t have pain?
• I have never had a cavity; do I need to go to the dentist?
• Is it ok if I skip my dentist’s appointment?
• I am very healthy, do I need to go to the dentist?
• Can good oral hygiene help improve with overall health?