To back this up, I used to go to the dentist regularly as a child. I got the regular cleaning and such until I went to college and had to pay for things myself.

To back this up, I used to go to the dentist regularly as a child. I got the regular cleaning and such until I went to college and had to pay for things myself. I didn't have any dental insurance so I stopped going around then. Maybe 10 years later, after countless people warning me that I was gambling with my health by never going to a dentist, I thought I'd try again. I went to the local university dental school, where they need problems to work on. They told me I was totally fine. I haven't been to a dentist in the maybe 15 years since that experience. It turns out there is almost no evidence to support routine cleanings or consulting with a dentist. HN anecdotal data is not medical advice - but if you aren't suffering from any dental issues, it could be worth your time to do some research before you schedule your next dental appointment, and if you get a diagnosis of an issue it might be worth a second opinion. I highly recommend checking to see if your local dental school is taking appointments, because they have no incentive to push additional procedures on you (they can always find somebody who really needs it).