New York Times Article: Twice-Yearly Dentist Visit?

Last week the NewYork Times published an article announcing that a dental visit 2-times per year may not be the right for everyone.

Using research that compared dental visits per year with lost teeth, the article reports that dental preventative visits should be based around your risk for cavities and gum disease. Like other dentists, I shudder when I hear blanket recommendations about healthcare practices, but I think this article has one very important take-away:

Healthcare is personal!

Your annual dental visits should be arranged for your needs and with the treatment philosophy of your dentist. Ask your dentist to help you understand why you should be seen bi-, tri-, whatever- annually.

Thanks to the New York Times for bringing this topic to light, but please do not misinterpret the findings and think you don't need a regular dental check-up and cleaning.

American Dental Association Statement