How Often Should You Get a Routine Checkup at the Dentist?

For families juggling busy schedules, dental visits can sometimes fall to the bottom of the list. However, routine dental checkups are essential for keeping smiles healthy at every age. Understanding how often you and your family should see the dentist can help prevent dental problems and support lifelong oral health.

How Often Dentists Typically Recommend Visits

For most patients, dentists recommend a routine checkup every six months. These visits typically include a professional cleaning, an exam of your teeth and gums, and a screening for early signs of issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.

Seeing your dentist twice a year helps catch problems early - often before you feel any pain or notice symptoms. Early detection usually means simpler, more affordable treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Why Regular Checkups Are Essential

Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. Over time, this buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease. Routine dental visits allow your dentist to:

• Remove plaque and tartar you can’t clean at home

• Monitor changes in your oral health

• Detect cavities, gum disease, or infections early

• Evaluate existing dental work like fillings or crowns

• Provide personalized advice to improve your oral hygiene routine

Skipping regular checkups increases the risk of small problems becoming more serious - and more costly.

Who Might Need More Frequent Visits?

While twice a year works well for many people, some patients benefit from more frequent visits. Your dentist may recommend checkups every three to four months if you:

• Have gum disease or a history of periodontal issues

• Are prone to cavities

• Have ongoing dental concerns or chronic conditions

• Smoke or use tobacco products

• Are pregnant or managing certain medical conditions like diabetes

These additional visits help keep your oral health stable and prevent complications.

Schedule Checkups for the Whole Family

Routine dental checkups are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your smile. For most people, visiting the dentist every six months provides the right balance of prevention and care, while others may need more frequent visits based on their individual needs. Staying consistent with dental checkups helps prevent problems, saves money in the long run, and keeps your smile healthy for years to come.

If it’s time for your next checkup, schedule a dental exam and cleaning with Goad Family Dentistry today. Visit our office in Indianapolis, Indiana, or call (317) 788-4239 to book an appointment.