One of the biggest questions that dental professionals regularly receive is: "how often do I need to go to the dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning?". The fact is that the answer to this question is dependent upon each individual person and the state of their oral health.

X-Rays and Checkups

The regularity and reoccurrence of dental checkups and dental cleanings is usually completely dependent on the state of the patient's oral health.

For instance, patients who maintain a good oral health will usually return to complete their routine exam every six month. During these routine visits, precautionary x-rays will be taken once a year in order to ensure that there is no decay in the mouth that is invisible to the naked eye. Next, the dentist will complete a thorough exam and advise the patient on how to best continue taking care of their oral health.

Patients who seem to develop decay in their teeth more than other patients, as well as those that are diagnosed with gum disease, are closely monitored to ensure that the decay or gum disease does not progress. These individuals are usually asked to return for regular exams every three months. This is done for a number of reasons: to periodically check to ensure that the patient is maintaining their good oral hygiene at home, to professionally remove any plaque and tartar buildup, and to monitor the status of the patient's gum disease.

Dental Plan of Treatment

Upon your first visit, your dentist, will design a comprehensive personalized treatment plan for you. This treatment plan encompasses the entirety of the dental work that will need to be done by priority order. If the work that you need is extensive, multiple appointments will be needed over the course of a few months to complete everything.

Moving Forward

To determine how often you should visit the dentist for your checkup and dental cleaning appointments, consult your dentist and dental hygienist to find a schedule that works best for you in the management of your oral health.