How Often Should You See the Dentist?

The six-month myth

The idea of "every six months" originated from a toothpaste advertisement in the 1930s, not from evidence. Modern guidelines from the NHS and ADA recommend tailored frequency based on individual risk.

Risk-based frequency

Low risk (every 12–24 months)

• No cavities in 3+ years
• No periodontal disease
• No grinding
• Non-smoker
• Good home care
• No systemic risk factors

Moderate risk (every 6–9 months)

• Occasional cavities
• Mild gingivitis
• Some staining from coffee/tea
• Moderate restorations (2–4 fillings)

High risk (every 3–4 months)

• Active or recent periodontal disease
• Multiple cavities in the past 3 years
• Diabetes, especially poorly controlled
• Heavy smoker
• Dry mouth
• Pregnant (due to hormonal changes affecting gums)
• Multiple implants or extensive restorations
• Heavy grinder

Why risk-based is better

Low-risk patients going every 3 months waste money and time. High-risk patients going every 6 months miss early signs and end up with expensive problems.

What happens if you go too infrequently

• Cavities grow past the point where fillings can fix them (needing crowns or root canals)
• Periodontal disease progresses silently
• Oral cancer lesions go undetected
• Early restorative issues become late restorative issues

What happens if you go too frequently

• Unnecessary costs
• Sometimes over-treatment (marginal restorations replaced before they need to be)

Starting point for most adults

If you don't know your risk level, start at every 6 months for 12 months, then have your dentist assess and adjust. Most stable, well-controlled adults transition to 9–12 month intervals.

Children

• First visit: by age 1 (or within 6 months of first tooth)
• Subsequent: every 6 months through to late teens
• More often if high cavity risk

Pregnant patients

• Hormonal gingivitis is very common
• Visit every 3–4 months during pregnancy
• Routine hygiene and fillings are safe in 2nd trimester

What a good dentist does at the check-up

• Caries risk assessment
• Periodontal probing (6-point per tooth, annually)
• Oral cancer screening (check lymph nodes, tongue, cheeks)
• X-rays at appropriate intervals (not every visit)
• Bite and wear evaluation
• Review of home care and techniques

References

• NICE Guidelines — Dental recall intervals
• American Dental Association