How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
The standard recommendation: Twice a year
For most people, visiting the dentist every six months is the general recommendation. This routine schedule allows your dentist to:
- Perform a thorough dental cleaning
- Check for cavities and gum disease
- Monitor any changes in your oral health
- Provide preventive care like fluoride treatments or sealants
- Catch problems early before they become serious
This biannual schedule is considered a good balance between prevention and early detection. It’s often covered by dental insurance plans, too.
But is twice a year right for everyone?
While every six months is the typical guideline, the ideal frequency of dental visits can vary depending on your individual oral health needs. Some people may need to visit the dentist more often, while others may be able to go once a year without problems — always based on professional advice.
Who should visit the dentist more frequently?
You might need to see your dentist every three to four months if:
- You have gum disease (periodontitis)
- You’re prone to cavities or tooth decay
- You have a lot of dental work (crowns, implants, bridges)
- You wear braces or other orthodontic devices
- You have diabetes or a medical condition affecting oral health
- You’re a smoker or use tobacco
- You have dry mouth (which increases risk for decay)
- You're pregnant, as hormonal changes can affect gum health
In these cases, more frequent visits help your dentist manage ongoing issues and prevent new problems from developing.
What happens during a routine dental visit?
A typical dental visit involves two main parts: the examination and the cleaning.
1. Dental exam
- Checking for signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer
- Inspecting existing dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.)
- Taking X-rays if needed
- Evaluating bite and jaw alignment
2. Professional cleaning
- Removing plaque and tartar buildup
- Polishing your teeth
- Flossing and rinsing
- Applying fluoride treatment (if recommended)
These steps help keep your mouth clean and healthy while giving your dentist a chance to spot any issues early.
What if you don’t go to the dentist regularly?
Skipping dental visits might not seem like a big deal — especially if you don’t feel any pain. But here’s what can happen over time:
- Plaque turns into tartar, which can only be removed professionally
- Cavities and decay worsen without treatment
- Gum disease may develop and progress unnoticed
- Small problems can become expensive and painful to fix
- You risk tooth loss, infections, or bad breath
Remember: dental problems often don’t cause symptoms until they’re advanced. That’s why preventive care is key.
How to make the most of your dental visits
To ensure you get the best results from your dental appointments:
- Be honest about your habits (e.g., smoking, grinding your teeth, sugary snacks)
- Ask questions about your oral health or concerns
- Follow your dentist’s advice regarding brushing, flossing, and products
- Keep a list of symptoms, like tooth sensitivity or jaw pain, to discuss
- Schedule your next visit before you leave the office
Tips for maintaining good oral health between visits
Even if you go to the dentist regularly, daily habits matter. Here's how to take care of your teeth and gums between visits:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Use mouthwash if recommended
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports
Good daily care can reduce the need for dental work and make your appointments much easier.
When should children start visiting the dentist?
The American Dental Association and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children have their first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth.
From there, kids should generally follow the every six months guideline, unless otherwise advised. Starting early builds good habits and helps prevent fear of the dentist.
Don't delay this any longer. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.