Originally published January 11, 2017. Updated August 20, 2026.
Most people have heard that they should see the dentist every six months. That is a sensible starting point, but the real answer is that it depends on you. The CDC recommends routine dental visits for everyone age 1 and older, and reports that about 64 percent of U.S. adults had a dental visit in the past year. Regular visits allow for preventive care and early detection of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, and they are associated with fewer treatments and lower costs over time. This guide explains what happens at a checkup, how often you need one, who benefits from more frequent visits, and which symptoms mean you should not wait.
What happens at a dental checkup?
- An exam of your teeth and gums, looking for cavities, worn or cracked teeth, and signs of gum disease.
- A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot. See our guide to how to floss correctly.
- An oral cancer screening of the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. See our guide to oral cancer screening.
- X-rays when they are needed, not automatically at every visit. See dental X-rays.
- A review of your health and habits, including medications, since they can affect your mouth. See how medications affect oral health.
How often should you see the dentist?
For many people, twice a year works well, but research shows the ideal interval varies. A Cochrane systematic review of recall intervals for oral health in primary care found that, for adults, there was little to no difference between risk-based and six-month recall intervals in tooth decay, gum bleeding, or oral quality of life over four years, and similar results comparing 24-month with six-month intervals. The findings come from studies of relatively low-risk adults, and the review notes that evidence for children is less certain. The takeaway is not to skip visits. It is that your dentist should set your schedule based on your own risk, rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
For children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends an examination and preventive services every six months or as indicated by the child’s risk status, and notes that some patients need visits more or less frequently based on history, clinical findings, and X-rays. Plan the first visit for the first birthday, as covered in our guide to teething and baby teeth.
Who may need more frequent visits?
The American Dental Association (ADA) lists factors that raise cavity risk, including frequent sugary foods and drinks, a family history of cavities, a recent cavity or multiple recent fillings, severe dry mouth, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy. For higher-risk patients it recommends preventive measures such as fluoride varnish or prescription-strength fluoride, sealants, dietary counseling, and oral hygiene instruction, which are easiest to deliver at more frequent visits. Other reasons to come in more often include:
- Gum disease. The CDC lists smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, certain medications, and hormonal changes as risk factors, and periodontitis needs ongoing professional care. See our periodontal care.
- Dry mouth. See our guide to dry mouth.
- Pregnancy. The ADA encourages regular dental exams throughout pregnancy. See pregnancy and oral health.
- Dental work to monitor, such as implants, crowns, or dentures.
When should you not wait for your next checkup?
Some symptoms call for a visit sooner, whatever your schedule:
- Tooth pain that lingers. Cleveland Clinic advises calling a dentist for a toothache that lasts longer than a day or two. If it is severe, see what to do in a dental emergency.
- A mouth sore that lasts more than two weeks. See our guides to canker sores and oral cancer screening.
- Bleeding, red, or swollen gums that do not improve. See bleeding gums.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that persists. See tooth sensitivity.
- Jaw pain, clicking, or morning headaches, which can point to grinding or a jaw disorder. See teeth grinding and TMJ disorders.
- A loose tooth in an adult, swelling, or persistent bad breath. The CDC lists loose teeth among the warning signs of gum disease. See bad breath.
Why should you go even if nothing hurts?
Because many problems are painless early on. The ADA notes that gum disease can exist without obvious warning signs, and a small cavity or early oral cancer may not hurt at all. A cavity found early can be fixed with a simple filling, while a cavity found late may need a root canal or crown. Our preventive dentistry team is here to keep small problems small. If nerves are what keep you away, see our guide to dental anxiety and sedation.
Frequently asked questions about dental checkups
Do I really need a dental cleaning every six months?
Six months is the traditional interval, but the right schedule depends on your risk. A large Cochrane review of adults found little to no difference in tooth decay, gum bleeding, or quality of life between six-month, risk-based, and even 24-month recall intervals over four years. Your dentist can tell you what interval fits your mouth, and people with gum disease, frequent cavities, or dry mouth usually benefit from more frequent visits.
How often should children see the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends examination and preventive care every six months or as indicated by the child's risk of disease. Some children need visits more or less often based on their history and exam findings. The first visit should happen by the first birthday.
Is it okay to skip the dentist if nothing hurts?
Not usually. Many problems are painless in the early stages. The American Dental Association notes that gum disease can exist without obvious warning signs, and early cavities and oral cancer often cause no pain. Regular exams find problems while they are small.
What if I have not seen a dentist in years?
Book a visit anyway. Starting is the hard part, and most problems are easier to treat than people expect. If nerves are the barrier, see our guide to dental anxiety and ask about sedation.
When should I not wait for my next checkup?
See a dentist promptly for tooth pain, swelling, a sore that lasts more than two weeks, bleeding gums that do not improve, a loose tooth, sensitivity that persists, or jaw pain and headaches.
Due for a checkup?
Whether it has been six months or six years, we will review your risk, check your teeth and gums, and recommend a schedule that fits you.
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Quick takeaways
- Every six months is a common starting point, but the right interval depends on your individual risk.
- Research on adults found little difference between six-month, risk-based, and longer recall intervals in low-risk patients, so let your dentist set your schedule.
- Children should be seen about every six months or as their risk indicates, starting by the first birthday.
- Gum disease, dry mouth, frequent sugar intake, prior cavities, pregnancy, and certain health conditions can mean more frequent visits.
- Do not wait for symptoms like lingering tooth pain, a sore that will not heal, bleeding gums, or swelling.
- Many dental problems are painless early, so regular exams are how they are caught.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats: Oral and Dental Health.
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Periodicity of Examination, Preventive Dental Services, Anticipatory Guidance/Counseling, and Oral Treatment for Infants, Children, and Adolescents.
- American Dental Association. Caries Risk Assessment and Management. ADA Oral Health Topics.
- Fee PA, Riley P, Worthington HV, Clarkson JE, Boyers D, Beirne PV. Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020.
- American Dental Association. Gum Disease. MouthHealthy.org.
