Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter After 50
If you’re approaching your fifth decade, you may wonder: “How often should adults over 50 see the dentist?” If you’re a senior or approaching your senior adult years, you may be thinking: “How often should seniors go to the dentist?”
In either case, we recommend twice-yearly checkups and teeth cleanings for most patients, regardless of age. However, if you have been diagnosed with an oral health condition like gingivitis or periodontal disease, your preventive schedule may vary.
The goal of regular dental care is to keep your smile healthy, avert tooth loss, and prevent complications to overall health.
Your Twice-yearly checkup and teeth cleaning includes:
- A comprehensive visual exam of the teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- A professional teeth cleaning
- Periodic x-rays or related diagnostics
- Oral cancer screenings
Teeth Cleaning Schedules May Vary
For patients with gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent dental cleanings and specific types of teeth cleanings below the gumline. This schedule may be paired with custom oral hygiene instructions to do at home.
In most cases, periodontal disease requires ongoing maintenance to reduce gum infections, gum pocketing, and inflammation.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing and flossing
- An Elongated tooth appearance due to gum recession
- Recurring bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, even with brushing
- Gum inflammation or redness
Are You Looking for a Dentist for Seniors in Edmond, OK?
Senior dental checkups and dentistry for older adults are crucial to your oral and physical health. For example, gum disease (when left untreated) has been associated with heart and lung complications, specific types of dementia, tooth loss, and more.
To book your next checkup and teeth cleaning or if you have questions for our dental team, call us today at (405) 330-4630. We’re currently accepting new patients and are happy to work with CareCredit.
