How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and everything else on your plate, scheduling a dental appointment can easily slip down your priority list. However, prioritizing your dental visits is crucial to your overall health, even if it may seem less important.

If you’ve questioned whether how often you frequent the dentist is good—not enough, or perhaps too often—you’re in good company. We’ll explore the factors that determine how often you should see your dentist, empowering you to make the optimal choice for a healthy smile.

The General Recommendation: Every Six Months

For most people, the rule of thumb is to schedule regular dental cleanings and exams every six months. This twice-yearly schedule has been the gold standard in preventive dental care for decades, and for good reason.

During these visits, your dental team does much more than just clean your teeth. They’re conducting a comprehensive examination of your entire mouth, checking for early signs of gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer. Catching these dental issues early often means simpler, less invasive, and more affordable treatments.

Think of it like maintaining your car. Regular visits help identify small problems before they become major repairs. Your oral health works the same way.

Infographic showing the general recommendation for dental visits every 6 months, highlighting benefits like preventive care, early detection, and better health.

Why Some People Need More Frequent Visits

While a six-month check-up schedule is suitable for many patients, some individuals may require more frequent dental visits. If you fall into certain categories, your dentist might recommend coming in every three to four months.

More frequent visits may be necessary if you:

Have a history of gum disease or periodontal problems
Are prone to cavities or have had multiple fillings
Have diabetes or other medical conditions that affect oral health
Are pregnant (hormonal changes can impact your gums)
Smoke or use tobacco products
Have a weakened immune system
Wear braces or have dental implants

There’s absolutely no shame in needing more attention for your teeth. In fact, being proactive about your oral hygiene shows incredible self-awareness. Your dentist will work with you to determine the ideal schedule based on your unique situation.

Can Some People Visit Less Often?

On the flip side, some people with excellent oral health and no history of dental issues might be able to extend the time between regular visits. If you’ve consistently maintained great oral hygiene at home, have no cavities, healthy gums, and no risk factors, your dentist might feel comfortable seeing you once a year.

However—and this is important—this decision should always be made in partnership with your dentist. Self-diagnosing yourself as “low risk” and skipping appointments can backfire. Many dental problems develop silently without any pain or visible symptoms until they’ve progressed significantly.

What Happens When You Skip Dental Visits?

When you skip a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar build up continuously on your teeth, even with excellent brushing and flossing. Only professional cleaning can remove hardened tartar.

When left unchecked, this buildup leads to gum disease, which affects nearly half of adults over 30.

Aside from cleanings, your dentist screens for oral cancer at every visit. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes, making these screenings potentially lifesaving.

Additionally, your oral health is deeply connected to your overall health. Research has linked gum disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. So, in a nutshell, skipping visits also puts your overall health at greater risk.

Infographic explaining that higher-risk individuals—such as those with gum disease, braces, or who smoke—should visit the dentist every 3–4 months for better preventive care.

Making the Most of Your Dental Appointments

When visiting the dentist, be ready for an open, honest conversation. Your dental team wants to help you achieve optimal oral health.

Before and during your appointment, you should:

Write down any concerns, sensitivities, or changes you’ve noticed
Update your dentist on any new medical conditions or medications
Ask questions about your oral hygiene routine at home
Discuss any anxiety or concerns about procedures
Be honest about your flossing habits (we won’t judge, we promise!)

Your dentist can only provide the best care when they have complete information. Think of your relationship with your dental team as a partnership working toward the same goal: keeping your smile healthy for life.

Special Considerations for Different Life Stages

Your dental needs evolve throughout your life. Children should typically start dental visits by their first birthday and continue with regular checkups as their teeth develop. Teenagers with braces may need more frequent monitoring.

Adults in their prime years should maintain consistent visits while being mindful of stress-related issues like teeth grinding. As we age, dental issues become more common, and medical conditions may increase the need for closer monitoring of oral health.

Pregnant women should prioritize dental care, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of gum disease, which has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Infographic showing how skipping dental visits leads from a healthy tooth to tartar buildup, gum disease, bone loss, and increased health risks.

Taking Action for Your Smile

So, how often should you visit the dentist?

For most people, every six months provides the right balance of preventive care and early detection. However, your individual needs may vary based on your health history, current oral health status, and risk factors.

The most important step you can take right now is simple: if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. Your dental team is here to support you without judgment, whether it’s been six months or six years.