How Often Do You Need a Check-Up at the Dentist?
Last Updated on 3 June 2025
Want to feel more confident about your smile? A flawless set of teeth is within reach for most people, but seeking good dental care should be the first item on your to-do list. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using mouthwash can help fight plaque and maintain fresh breath, but is it enough? Many people are advised to visit a dentist for professional cleanings and oral examinations twice a year. These visits are considered preventive care and are typically covered by dental insurance. Find out why dental visits are important and if you should see the dentist more frequently in our guide below.
How often should you see the dentist?
The CDC suggests visiting the dentist for a check-up at least once a year.1 However, many experts recommend seeing a dentist twice a year to identify potential problems and catch cavities before they progress. Regular dental check-ups provide several key benefits that go beyond just keeping your smile bright:
Catch oral health problems early on
Dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and enamel erosion can develop quietly and painlessly at first. Routine visits allow your dentist to catch these problems when they are easier and less expensive to treat. Around 1 in 5 adults have at least one untreated cavity.1 Getting regular check-ups can help dentists identify the correct course of treatment for you. Early detection can mitigate the problem, so you don’t have to worry about major treatments like root canals or tooth extractions later on.
Get cancer screenings
Dentists are trained to spot early signs of oral cancer. During a check-up, your dentist will often perform an oral cancer screening by examining your mouth, throat, and neck for any abnormalities. Oral exams and cancer screenings are non-invasive and generally painless. They are essential for people who are at an increased risk of developing oral cancers. Early detection may improve the chances of successful treatment.
Get a professional cleaning
At-home brushing and flossing are the foundation of a good oral hygiene routine. But it may not always be enough. Your toothbrush and flossers can miss plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings help remove stubborn deposits that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Professional cleanings can help remove built-up stubborn plaque and tartar. Getting rid of discolored tartar can make you more confident in your smile.
Get responses to oral health questions
Your dentist can provide customized answers and advice suited to your unique needs. Whether you’re wondering where to seek emergency dental care or want tips on the best brushing techniques, use your in-person appointments to ask important questions.
Who should see the dentist more frequently?
Visits twice per year work well for many people, but some individuals may need extra care. Factors like existing health conditions and lifestyle habits may increase your odds of experiencing oral health problems.2
Pregnant women
Pregnancy brings hormonal changes that can affect the gums, leading to a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Regular dental visits help manage these changes and protect both maternal and baby health. Consider seeing your dentist every few months during pregnancy.3
Alcohol and tobacco users
Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues.4,5 Alcohol can also dry out the mouth and make it easier for bacteria to thrive.6 If you use tobacco or drink heavily, you may need to visit the dentist more frequently so they can monitor your oral health closely.7 The exact number of visits may depend on your oral health status and risk factors.
People with diabetes or anyone with chronic health problems
Diabetes and other autoimmune conditions affect your body’s ability to fight infections, such as gum infections. People with diabetes are at higher risk for periodontal (gum) disease and may benefit from more frequent check-ups to maintain oral health. Similarly, chronic conditions like HIV/AIDS can affect dental health. Patients may want to see their dentist more often than once or twice a year.8
Sources:
1 CDC – About Cavities (Tooth Decay). Updated May 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/cavities-tooth-decay.html. Accessed May 1, 2025.
2 Penn Dental Medicine – How Often Should You Go to the Dentist? Updated January 2, 2024. https://penndentalmedicine.org/phmc-cedar-campus/blog/how-often-to-see-dentist Accessed May 1, 2025.
3 Penn Dental Medicine – How to Treat Your Bleeding Gums in Pregnancy. Updated September 4, 2024. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/periodontal-disease-pregnancy/. Accessed May 28, 2025.
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Smoking, Gum, Disease, and Tooth Loss. Updated February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html. Accessed May 28, 2025.
5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Smoking and Cancer. Updated February 24, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/cancer.html. Accessed May 28, 2025.
6 Oral Health Foundation – Cheers to oral health: The positive impact of giving up alcohol. https://www.dentalhealth.org/blog/cheers-to-oral-health. Accessed May 28, 2025.
7 Oral Health Foundation – Preventive care and oral hygiene. https://www.dentalhealth.org/preventive-care-and-oral-hygiene. Accessed May 28, 2025.
8 Mayo Clinic – Oral health: A window to your overall health. Updated March 14, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20047475. Accessed May 28, 2025.
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