Six-Month Dental Visits Challenged: New Research Suggests Personalized Schedules Are More Effective
santiago, Chile – For decades, the standard recommendation has been a dental check-up and cleaning every six months. However, recent research is challenging this long-held belief, suggesting that routine visits at this frequency aren’t universally necessary and may not offer additional benefits over schedules tailored to individual risk.
Numerous investigations have sought to determine the optimal frequency of dental visits. A key study,a 2020 Cochrane review analyzing four years of data,found ”solid evidence that dental controls every six months do not offer a benefit additional” compared to visits determined by a patient’s individual risk factors.This “risk-based” approach allows dentists to customize review frequency based on each person’s specific needs.
The debate extends to professional cleanings as well. A 2018 Cochrane review concluded that cleanings every six months showed “little or no difference” in preventing gingivitis, gum bleeding, or plaque accumulation compared to less frequent cleanings. While a slight reduction in tartar was observed,its clinical significance remains unclear. Patients did report feeling cleaner teeth with regular cleanings,but this didn’t translate to critically important improvements in quality of life.
So, how often should you see a dentist? Research indicates that semiannual visits aren’t essential for everyone. individuals with good oral health may be able to schedule appointments every one or two years, always under the guidance of a dental professional.
However, experts emphasize that daily oral hygiene remains paramount. maintaining oral health requires brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Evidence demonstrates that both children and adults who brush less than twice daily face a higher risk of developing cavities.
