how often do you see the dentist?

[Shantimama]

This is a bit of a debate between dh and I. It is recommended that people go every 6 months but dh's extended insurance company requests that people wait at least 9 months, preferable 12 to keep costs down. dh is big on saving $$ and so has asked us to do that. I was strong in saying the kids will go every 6 months because they are growing children and he accepted that but he questions how often I go. it was okay around the time of having my wisdom teeth removed but he doesn't see why I need to go more than once a year.

What do others do and think?

[EFmom]

I go every 6 months, as do our kids. I've had problems develop in that time that would only get worse by waiting.

[Starr]

I go at least every 6 months for a cleaning and usually every other visit (12 mos.) I have x-rays taken. If you wait too long things can get worse in a hurry. Especially with children you will want to do a lot of preventive care. Most insurance covers 100% preventive, so I would make sure they have sealants especially. Your not really saving a lot of money if things get worse and the procedures become more expensive.

[circlemama]

We don't have dental insurance, this is what we do...I go every six months-I don't have the best teeth, DH goes once a year-he has perfect teeth-he's 36 yrs. old and never had a cavity or orthodontia! The kids go every 6 months!

[wednesday]

I go every few years. The only time I ever had problems was during a period of time I was taking a medication that caused dry mouth. I got my first ever cavities during that time (my age was mid-20s). Otherwise I don't seem to have dental issues. I think it's largely genetics. If you are prone ot cavities you need to go more often. I have gone as long as 5 years between visits with no ill effects.

As for my son I plan to take him once a year unless he seems to need more frequent attention than that.