Should You See a Dentist Twice a Year? Maybe Not

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The Journal of Dental Research just recently published the results of the study which found that seeing your dentist twice a year isn't the end-all and be-all of good dental health for adults. Consequently, dental patients are urged to develop a individualized dental care program with the dentist.

The study was performed by reseachers at the University of Michigan. They found there were preventative benefits for high risk patients that visited the dentist more than once a year. Wolff said if your doctor tells you to return for a check-up in six months, do not be afraid to ask why.

"It (the study) actually affirms the concept of recare or revisiting your dentist based upon your risk," said Dr. Mark Wolff, Chairman of the NYU Dentistry Cariology and Comprehensive Care. "If you are not at risk of developing a gum disease or tooth decay, than you may only need to see a dentist once per year. However, that is not a generic rule for everyone."
 
Dr. Wolf went on to say that what support is for adults take control of their own dental health as unlike other areas of healthcare there is little if any incentive for dental insurers and providers to focus on preventative care.

The key is to be in control of your own dental health, because unlike other areas of health care there are few incentives for insurers and providers to focus on preventative dental care.

"If you have an abscess on your foot, that's covered under the Affordable Care Act, if you have an abscess on your tooth it may not be. Teeth one through 32 have been carved out of that whole system," explained Dr. Wolff.

Responding to the report's findings, the ADA (American Dental Association) has suggested that American adults work with their dentists to develop a individualized dental care plan. However, the ADA still recommends that children 12 and under still see a dentist twice a year.
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