How Often Should You Really Visit the Dentist?

Most people have heard that you should see a dentist twice a year. It is a useful rule of thumb, but it is not a medical law, and it is not right for everyone.

Why the right interval is personal

How quickly plaque builds up, how your gums respond to it, what you eat and drink, whether you smoke, and whether you have had fillings, crowns or gum treatment in the past all change how often you need to be checked. Someone with healthy gums and no history of decay may be fine with a longer gap. Someone recovering from gum disease may need to be seen more often for a while.

What happens at a checkup

A routine checkup is a full look at your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth. Your dentist checks for decay, cracks and wear, looks at the health of your gums, checks existing fillings and crowns, assesses your bite, and looks for any unusual changes in the soft tissues. An X-ray is taken only when it would add information that the examination alone cannot give.

Do not wait for pain

This is the part that matters most. Cavities and gum disease usually start quietly. By the time a tooth hurts, the problem is often deeper and the treatment is bigger. A checkup is cheapest and simplest when there is nothing obviously wrong.

Book sooner if you notice

• Gums that bleed when you brush
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
• A tooth that has changed colour
• Pain, swelling, or anything that feels different in your mouth

At your visit, ask your dentist what interval they recommend for you and why. A good answer should be specific to your mouth, not a generic number.