How often should I really see the dentist?
Most people were told as children to see the dentist every six months, and most dentists still book that way. It is a reasonable default, but it is not a rule.
Who can leave it longer
If your last two check-ups found nothing, you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and you do not smoke, a year between visits is usually fine. We will say so rather than book you in out of habit.
Who should come more often
Gum disease, a history of decay, a dry mouth from medication, or braces and aligners all mean we want to see you every three to four months. Hygiene visits in between keep gums settled and catch problems while they are still small.
What we actually do at a check-up
We look at every tooth, check the gums, look for anything unusual in the soft tissue, and take X-rays about every two years. Then we write down what we found and what, if anything, needs doing. The visit takes about twenty minutes.
