Going to the dentist regularly is crucial for maintaining good oral health and hygiene. However, many people find themselves wondering if it is too late to go to the dentist if they have not had a cleaning or checkup in some time. The good news is, in most cases, it is never too late to get the dental care you need, even if you have put it off for a while.
How often should you see a dentist?
Most dentists recommend a dental checkup and cleaning every 6 months to 1 year. Some people may only need to visit once a year, while others with higher risk of oral health problems may need biannual visits. Checking in with your dentist regularly allows them to catch small problems before they become big issues as well as to keep your teeth cleaned and plaque under control.
Many professional dental organizations suggest the following dental visit schedule:
- Children should see a dentist starting around their first birthday or when they get their first tooth.
- Toddlers and preschoolers should see a dentist every 6 months.
- School-aged children can move to yearly checkups and cleanings.
- Adults should aim to visit the dentist once or twice a year.
- Seniors may need more frequent dental visits depending on their health conditions.
Pregnant women should also plan to visit the dentist to ensure good oral health during pregnancy.
What happens if you don’t go to the dentist regularly?
Failing to get regular professional cleanings and exams at the dentist can negatively impact your oral health in a variety of ways:
- Plaque buildup – Plaque contains bacteria that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities. The longer plaque remains on teeth, the worse it is for your oral health.
- Gum disease – Lack of dental visits increases risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease. These gum infections can lead to receding gums, tooth loss, bone damage, and other complications.
- Undetected tooth decay – Small cavities or cracks in teeth may go unnoticed and worsen without treatment from your dentist.
- Cosmetic concerns – Stains can set in and calcified plaque or tartar can build up leading to a dingy dull smile.
- Bad breath – Bacteria and decay cause foul odors the dentist can treat.
- Pain or tooth loss – Untreated infections and extensive decay cause preventable pain and tooth loss.
Catching dental problems early on with X-rays and exams at the dentist makes treatment much simpler. However, without regular visits, you may end up needing more complex, expensive interventions like root canals, gum surgery, tooth extractions, or dental implants.
Is it too late to go to the dentist after not going for a while?
For most people, it is never too late to get back on track with dental visits and your oral health. Here are some common timeframes and concerns about making a dentist appointment after missing your regular cleaning and checkup schedule:
1-2 years since your last dental visit
Going 1-2 years between dental checkups is not ideal but very common. Many people end up skipping or delaying dentist visits due to fear, anxiety, busy schedules, lack of insurance, or forgetfulness. At your next visit, be upfront with your dentist about how long it has been since your last appointment. They will likely do a thorough cleaning and examination to check for any signs of decay or gum disease. You can then get back on a regular 6-12 month visit schedule.
3-5 years since your last dental visit
Going several years without seeing the dentist starts to increase your risks of more serious oral health problems. Be prepared for the possibility of cavities or other issues being discovered at your visit. Don’t let fear keep you away any longer. Explain to your dentist how long it has been and that you want to get your oral health back on track. Be ready to follow their treatment recommendations, which may include fillings, deep cleanings, gum treatments, tooth extractions, or x-rays to fully assess your situation.
5-10 years since your last dental visit
A decade or more between dental appointments can lead to big problems. You will likely have plaque buildup, staining, gum disease, and multiple cavities after that long without a cleaning and exam. Treatment needs may be extensive, such as multiple fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, or dental implants. The dentist will do a full assessment, but fixing years of unchecked dental problems will require your commitment to their recommended treatment plan to get your smile healthy again.
10+ years since your last dental visit
After more than 10 years without professional dental care, your oral health risks are high, and you can expect issues like advanced gum disease, tooth decay, infections, tooth loss, and pain. Be prepared for the likelihood of needing significant dental work like deep cleanings, gum surgery, root canals, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. While the needed procedures may seem overwhelming, it is absolutely still worth it to go to the dentist as soon as possible to assess and correct the damage of the last decade without dental care.
Tips for going to the dentist after not going for years
Regardless of how long it has been, get back on track by making a dentist appointment today. Here are some tips to make your long overdue visit go smoothly:
- Look for a new patient or welcome back special – Many dentists offer exam, x-ray, and cleaning discounts to encourage new patients or lapsed visitors to come in for a visit.
- Explain up front how long it has been – Let the dental office know during booking and again during your appointment how long it has been since your last visit. This allows them to provide the appropriate care.
- Ask about payment plans – Dental treatment after years of absence may be costly. Inquire if the office offers payment plans or financing options to break up treatment costs over time.
- Come open-minded – Be ready to accept the dentist’s recommendations without getting defensive. Even if you need extensive treatment, it is to get your oral health back on track.
- Schedule a follow up visit – Before leaving your appointment, book your next 6 month cleaning and exam so you stay on a regular dental schedule moving forward.
Why should you make a dentist appointment now?
No matter how long it has been, going to the dentist as soon as possible is critical because:
- Oral health only worsens without professional care – Letting dental issues go leads to more complex, expensive interventions.
- Damage may still be reversible – The sooner you go, the more likely your dentist can restore your teeth and gums to full health.
- Full assessment identifies problems – A thorough dental exam spots issues you may not even realize are brewing.
- Prevention of pain – Catching problems early prevents the pain of infections and tooth decay.
- Avoid tooth loss – Treat gum disease and decay promptly to save your natural teeth.
- Improve self-esteem – Addressing oral health boosts your smile and self-confidence.
Regardless of how long it has been, take control of your oral health starting now by booking a dentist visit. Be honest with them about your absence, be receptive to their treatment recommendations, and commit to regular 6 month cleanings. With professional dental care, even years of neglect can be remedied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to wait 3 years between dentist visits?
No, waiting 3 years between dental visits is not recommended. Most dentists suggest a visit every 6-12 months for a dental exam and professional cleaning. Waiting several years allows plaque buildup, undetected decay, and gum disease to worsen. See your dentist at least yearly for optimal oral health.
What problems arise from not seeing a dentist for 5 years?
Going 5 years without a dental visit can lead to issues like tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss. Plaque and tartar buildup also cause staining and cosmetic damage. Be prepared to need fillings, deep cleanings, or tooth extractions after neglecting your oral health for so long.
Is it bad not to go to the dentist for 10 years?
Yes, not seeing a dentist for a decade almost guarantees you will have serious oral health issues. Gum disease, multiple cavities, tooth infections, and tooth loss become highly likely after 10 years without professional cleanings and dental treatment. Go to the dentist now before additional damage occurs.
What is the maximum time between dental visits?
Most dentists recommend a maximum of 12 months between checkups and cleanings. Some patients can go 12-18 months between appointments, but any longer than that allows preventable oral health problems to occur. For optimal dental and gum health, aim for dental visits at least yearly.
Can your teeth heal themselves if you stop going to the dentist?
Unfortunately, your teeth cannot heal themselves without professional dental care. Cavities and gum disease will only worsen over time without regular cleanings, exams, and treatment from your dentist. Make an appointment now to prevent oral health damage from progressing further.
The Cost of Delaying Dental Care
Putting off needed dental work tends to increase costs over time. Here is a look at average dental costs with and without insurance coverage:
| Dental Procedure | Average Cost with Insurance | Average Cost without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Routine exam and cleaning | $75-$200 | $150-$400 |
| Cavity filling | $30-$150 | $150-$300 |
| Crown | $500-$1,500 | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Root canal | $300-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Gum surgery | $500-$2,000 | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Tooth extraction | $75-$300 | $300-$800 |
| Dental implant | $1,500-$3,000 | $3,000-$5,000 |
As you can see, more complex restorative and surgical procedures quickly become expensive, especially for those without dental insurance. Preventing dental issues with regular 6 month cleanings and exams can save you money over your lifetime.
Take Control of Your Oral Health
Regardless of how long it has been since your last visit, the most important thing is to make a dentist appointment now to get back on track with your oral health. Be honest with the dentist about your absence from regular visits. Be ready to accept their recommendations, even if extensive treatment is needed after years of neglect. With professional dental care, your teeth and gums can be restored.
Commit to visiting your dentist every 6-12 months for cleanings and checkups to prevent new problems from occurring. Take control of your oral health by scheduling your next cleaning before you even leave your first reintroductory appointment. Protect your teeth, gums, smile, and budget by making regular dentist visits a priority.