Many people will see their dentist every 6 months however how often you should see your dentist will depend on your oral health, medical history and lifestyle. Some people will require more regular visits whilst others will have healthy teeth and gums and therefore be advised less regular visits. By knowing how often to visit your dentist you can make informed decisions. They can also give you advice on how to prevent any dental issues.

This article will look at how often you should be visiting your dentist, what happens during a regular check-up and what factors can affect how often you should be going. It will also look at when you should be visiting your dentist.

How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist?

This will allow your dentist to check your oral health and remove any hard deposits of plaque. However if you are at a higher risk of cavities, gum disease or other oral issues then you might not need to visit every 6 months. Your dentist will advise you on how often to visit based on your examination. If you have healthy gums, few cavities and are taking care of your oral health, you may not need to see your dentist as regularly as someone with frequent cavities. If your problem is more acute then your dentist might ask you to visit more regularly. This can include people having orthodontic treatments, gum disease or certain restorative treatments.

You may need to visit your dentist more regularly if you have:

Frequent cavities
Bleeding, inflamed or painful gums
Had treatment for gum disease
Orthodontic appliances/braces
Implants, crowns, bridges or large fillings
Medications that cause dry mouth
Difficulties maintaining a good oral hygiene routine

During your regular check-up your dentist will check your teeth, gums, tongue and other tissues. Depending on how much plaque and tartar you have they may recommend a clean.It is necessary to follow your dentist’s advice on how often to visit. If you are unsure when to visit your dentist ask your dentist to explain why.

Why Should I Have Regular Check-Ups?

Sometimes issues may not cause pain until later on.For example, you may have cavities starting to form under the surface of your enamel. Or you may have gum disease with just slightly red, swollen or bleeding gums.

By having regular check-ups you will:

Catch cavities early – If caught early they may be easier to treat.
Check your gums – Your dentist will be able to see if your gums are inflamed, receding and/or bleeding.
Have a clean – Your dentist will be able to remove the hardened deposits.
Check your fillings, crowns, bridges etc – Your dentist will be able to check if these are causing any issues.
Check for oral cancer – Your dentist may check your tissues for any unusual changes.
Receive advice on how to prevent issues – Advice on how to brush, floss, use fluoridated products and what to eat.
Check for sensitive teeth – Your dentist can investigate any discomfort you are feeling when consuming hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods.
Check your bite – Any changes can be monitored.
Prevent any major issues – By regularly checking your teeth you can catch any issues early.
Dentist can deal with you on many more concerns. Such as bad breath, dry mouth and discomfort when eating.

What Factors Will Affect How Often I Should Visit?

Everyone will have different requirements for their oral health. Your dentist will take into consideration:

Cavities – If you have frequent cavities you may want to visit more regularly. Your dentist will be able to see what factors are causing this. Such as build-up of plaque, high sugar intake, low levels of fluoride and saliva.
Gum disease – If you have gingivitis or periodontitis you may need extra check-ups. If you have had any treatment for periodontal disease it is often important to have regular professional check-ups.
Age – Children should have their teeth checked as they are developing. Teenagers require extra check-ups due to hormone release. Older people may suffer with receding gums, dry mouth and difficulty with dental restorations.
Medical conditions – Certain medical conditions can affect your oral health. Some medications can cause dry mouth meaning you are more at risk of cavities.
Lifestyle – Smoking/tobacco, frequent sugary food/drink and poor oral hygiene can increase your risk.
Dental treatments – If you have crowns, implants, bridges, dentures or lots of restorative treatments you may need specific checks.

Other factors include:

Frequent acidic drinks
Tooth grinding
Dry mouth
Difficulty cleaning between crowded teeth
History of dental infections or complex treatments
Changes during pregnancy
Family history of certain dental issues

Your dentist may also recommend you to have x-rays. This will not always be necessary but will depend on your symptoms, medical history, examination and risk factors.

What is done in a regular check-up?

During a regular check-up your dentist will normally check your oral health. You may also have a professional clean. This will depend on what treatment you require.Often your dentist will start by asking about your medical history, medications and whether there have been any changes since your last visit. If you have any symptoms such as pain, bleeding gums, sensitive teeth or difficulty eating let your dentist know.Your dentist will then check your teeth for any cavities, cracks, wear and issues with your current fillings/crowns. They will also check your gums for inflammation, recession, bleeding or periodontal disease.

During your regular check-up your dentist may:

Ask about your medical history – Medications, allergies, medical conditions and previous treatments.
Check your teeth – For cavities, cracks, damage to enamel and other issues.
Check your gums – For inflammation, bleeding, recession and gum disease.
X-ray – If required.
Professional clean – Remove plaque and tartar.
Polish – Polish your teeth.
Check your tissues – Tongue, cheeks, roof of mouth etc.
Advice on prevention – Brushing, flossing, fluoride and diet.
Explain any issues – Your dentist will explain any issues and advise what to do next.

During your professional clean your dentist may remove any hardened deposits. Fluoride treatment could also be suggested.When you finish your appointment ask any questions you have. Ask about what they found, what treatments they suggested and when your next appointment should be.To get the most out of your appointment write down any concerns you have. For example sensitive teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath or difficulty eating.

How Often Should Children And Teenagers Visit Their Dentist?

It is important to get children to visit their dentist from a young age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend establishing a dental home as soon as the first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday.Once you have visited your dentist for the first time they will advise you on how often to visit based on your child’s development, risk of cavities and requirements. Many children will visit every 6 months however some may need to visit more regularly.Regular check-ups are important during childhood as primary teeth help children to eat, speak and provide space for permanent teeth. Baby teeth can still cause pain and infection so should not be ignored.

As a parent you can help by:

Taking them to their first appointment at the recommended age.
Supervising their brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Encouraging them to floss.
Consume less sugary snacks.
Ask your dentist about fluoride and sealants.
Watch out for any changes to their teeth, gums or eating.
Take them to see a dentist if they have any toothache.

During teenage years their diet can change, they may have orthodontic treatments and may not be brushing regularly meaning they are more likely to have cavities and inflamed gums.If they have braces or other orthodontic appliances it may be difficult to keep their teeth clean. Your dentist/orthodontist can advise you on how to clean around the brackets.If your child has toothache, swelling, dental injuries or ongoing sensitivity take them to see a dentist.

When Should I Visit My Dentist?

Whilst regular check-ups are important there are some symptoms you should visit your dentist for.

Visit your dentist if you have:

Persistent toothache – There could be an infection in your tooth
Bleeding/inflamed gums – Frequently bleeding gums when brushing/flossing can be a sign of inflamed gums.
Sensitive teeth – Frequently sensitive teeth to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods may need investigating.
Persistent bad breath – Gum disease, cavities, dry mouth or other issues can be there.
Loose permanent teeth – There should be no reason for your adult teeth to be loose.
Any changes to your tissues – If you have a sore, lump, red/white patches or any other changes that are persisting for around 2 weeks get them checked.
Pain when eating – May be an issue with your teeth, fillings or tissues.
Damaged filling/crown – If your filling/crown is loose or damaged it should be investigated to protect your tooth.

If you have severe toothache, facial swelling, tooth related fever or signs of infection spreading get professional advice.If you are struggling to breathe due to any swelling seek emergency medical attention.Your dentist will be able to identify the cause and advise you on the correct treatment.

FAQs

Do I really need to visit my dentist every 6 months?

Not necessarily. Whilst many people will visit every 6 months how often you should visit will depend on your oral health, risk of cavities, gum health and dental history.

How long will my regular check-up take?

This will depend on how much examination, cleaning and any additional investigations/treatments you require. Ask your dental practice how long to allow.

Is it necessary to visit a dentist if the gums are Bleeding Occasionally?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of inflammation. If they are recurring get them checked.

Should I visit my dentist if I have dentures?

Yes. Even if you have full or partial dentures you should have regular check-ups. Your dentist will be able to check your gums, remaining teeth, tissues and dentures.

Is it necessary to visit a dentist if I have no Natural Teeth?

Yes. Even if you don’t have any natural teeth you can still have issues with your tissues. Your dentist can check your gums, jaw and dentures.

How Often Should You Visit a Dentist for Healthy Teeth and Gums?