Studies show that traditional 6-month dental examinations are not needed for healthy adults

The new review provides peace of mind to patients who miss regular dental examinations due to COVID-19 restrictions by showing that a 6-month appointment does not improve oral health.

In collaboration with the University of Manchester and The Cochrane Oral Health, the Dundee team, led by Patrick Fee of the School of Dentistry, Systematic review Identify the best time interval between dental examinations to maintain goodness Oral hygiene..

There has been international debate over the years about the optimal frequency of dental examinations. Traditionally, dentists recommend that patients undergo a health check twice a year, although the risk of developing a dental disorder varies from person to person.

Since 2004, the National Health Technology Assessment Organization has recommended individual risk-based test intervals that vary between 3 and 24 months (test intervals depend on the individual’s risk of developing dental disease). .. .. Nevertheless, most practices continue to encourage adults to schedule appointments at regular intervals of 6 months.

To investigate the problem Review The group examined the latest strong evidence available, including two randomized controlled trials of 1736 patients. This includes the number of people with cavities, the number of tooth surfaces affected by cavities, and periodontal disease. And happiness.

“Reviews show that Current habit Scheduling a 6-month health check appointment for all patients does not improve verbal health Compared to a personalized risk-based testing approach or compared to biannual testing with low patient risk Dental disease“Review lead Patrick Fee explained.

“The fact that there is no difference in test frequency indicates that it does not harm oral health and is acceptable to patients, so it can support risk-based test frequency, but this is for adults undergoing regular tests. It should be emphasized that it is up-up, not for those who need emergency treatment or looking for a child. The current practice of a 6-monthly health checkup is inefficiency of NHS resources. May be considered a use, adding unnecessary patient and medical service costs, and no dental health results. The significant impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the world It is also valuable when considering its impact on the dental services inside, limiting the patient’s access to dental care. Tooth care Although it may remain restricted for some time, the results of this review give the dental treatment the peace of mind that the interval between tests can be extended beyond 6 months without compromising the patient’s oral health. Provide and provide to those who are seeking. The 6-month test is highly valued by the general public and requires the cooperation of health policy makers, clinicians, and patient involvement to move to a personalized risk-based test. “

One Clinical trial In the review, the INTERVAL Dental Recalls Trial was sponsored by the university and conducted to add to the existing evidence to answer research questions.

In a review titled “Oral Hygiene Recall Intervals for Primary Care Patients,” in adults, the number of tooth surfaces such as tooth decay and periodontal disease was mostly or between 6-month and risk-based tests. We conclude that there was no difference. -After 4 years, there is probably little or no difference in the number of people from medium to wide range Caries..

Review groups also have moderate to high numbers of rotting, periodontal disease, and healthy tooth surfaces with little or no difference between 24-month, 6-month, or risk-based examinations. I found evidence.