What happens if you don't go to the dentist for 6 years?
Asked by: Lelah Rowe | Last update: July 12, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (21 votes)
What happens if you don't go to the dentist for 6 years?
After the hygienist has thoroughly cleaned your teeth, your dentist will carefully inspect for cavities or signs of periodontal disease. He or she may also look for signs of oral cancer. If you haven't been to the dentist in several years, there's a good chance you may have one or two cavities that require attention.
Is it bad I haven't been to dentist in 5 years?
The consequences of avoiding the dentist for years at a time can be very serious. When you do not visit the dentist for a long period of time, you can begin to develop serious dental problems. Untreated tooth decay can lead to infection. This can result in a greatly reduced quality of life.
How long is too long without seeing a dentist?
While the frequency of visits may vary depending on individual circumstances, it is generally recommended to see a dentist at least twice a year.
Is it okay to never go to the dentist?
Skipping dentist appointments means that gum disease and decay can lead to you losing teeth. It would be wise not to let it get to this point so you do not have to think about replacements for missing teeth.
Here's What Happens If You Stopped Brushing Your Teeth
Is it illegal to not go to the dentist?
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), child dental neglect is the “willful failure of parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain or infection.”1 This definition has been adopted ...
Is it bad to not go to the dentist for 10 years?
In summary, besides a rare set of people that are immune to dental decay and periodontal disease, most people need to see a dentist at some point during a ten year window. As a general rule, if dental treatment is only sought when pain is present, options for treatment are generally fewer and more expensive.
What's the longest you can go without a dental cleaning?
Going too long without a cleaning leads to cavities and gum disease. You should not go more than six months without dental cleaning. If you wait more than a year between cleanings, you risk serious oral health problems like gum disease or tooth loss.
What to do if you haven't been to dentist in 20 years?
A quick, full set of X-rays will follow. While X-rays typically aren't required at every visit, or even every year, they're an important part of your exam if you haven't been to the dentist in a long time. Your exam and cleaning will include removing any hardened plaque and tartar buildup.
How long can a tooth go untreated?
How Long Can You Leave Tooth Decay Untreated? Many people often leave tooth decay untreated until pain sets in. Unfortunately, as with everything else, the longer you leave tooth decay untreated, the worse it gets. On average, it takes about 3 to 6 months for cavities or tooth decay to start affecting your nerves.
Will a dentist judge you?
Your dentist is examining your mouth, not you.
Dental care is pretty analytical. During your exam, the dentist is looking at things like the density of the bone, the strength of the enamel, and the condition of the oral tissues; they aren't making any judgements on you or your lifestyle.
How many years of teeth neglect?
Years of neglecting dental care can lead to serious long-term consequences. Tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and oral hygiene issues are common issues that arise from neglecting oral health. These conditions can progress and cause further complications such as tooth loss and structural damage.
What does tooth decay look like?
What Does a Cavity Look Like? While it is usually difficult to see a cavity in its early stages, some cavities start with a whitish or chalky appearance on the enamel of your tooth. More serious cases of tooth decay can have a discolored brown or black color. However, most often there are no distinguishable red alerts.
Can a dentist bill you 5 years later?
In most states, the statute of limitations to collect on unpaid medical bills is between three and six years. However, in some states, a creditor has between 10-15 years to try and collect on the debt.
Is it bad to not go to the dentist every 6 months?
Responsible dental professionals can and will work with patients to address these and other issues. But even though the “every six months” standard is more a good rule of thumb than a hard and fast rule, the answer to the question, “Do you have to go to the dentist on a regular basis?” remains an emphatic yes!
How does gum disease look like?
Swollen or puffy gums. Bright red, dark red or dark purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched. Gums that bleed easily.
How long can a person go without seeing a dentist?
Most dentists recommend going to see the dentist for a cleaning and preventative care appointment every six months.
What happens if you wait too long to go to the dentist?
Delaying dental visits can have serious consequences for your oral health and overall well-being. From increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease to chronic pain and systemic health complications, the effects of neglecting dental care can be far-reaching.
How many adults don't go to the dentist?
If you've been skipping dental appointments, you're not alone. About 100 million Americans don't go every year, according to the American Dental Association.
Is not going to the dentist for 5 years bad?
Missing multiple routine dental checkups is a risky proposition. Without professional monitoring and care, the risks of plaque and tartar buildup along your gumline and on your teeth rise significantly. If these issues aren't identified and addressed in their early stages, gum disease may follow.
What happens if you don't go to the dentist for 10 years?
After ten years, dental decay and periodontal disease might be affecting multiple teeth. And it won't just be your teeth that are suffering – poor oral health impacts on your immune system and the rest of your body. These are all compelling reasons to prioritise those examinations, x-rays and oral hygiene appointments.
Why do some people never go to the dentist?
People avoid going to the dentist because they think that even the basic check-ups and cleanings are too expensive. Or they feel like they have a lot of damage from past neglect and that it's just going to be too overwhelming to get the proper treatment.
Do cavities hurt?
Not all cavities hurt or cause discomfort. It's not uncommon for someone with a small cavity to experience severe sensitivity and pain, while someone with a large cavity with an abscess feels no discomfort whatsoever.
Should I be embarrassed if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
Myth #1: You Should be Ashamed of Yourself.
We will not judge you if yours includes times of neglecting to carry out perfect oral hygiene for whatever reason. Feeling ashamed will not help you change things; it will keep you at home in fear of what everyone else thinks.