How Often Should You Visit the Dentist? What the Experts Recommend

The standard recommendation

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a checkup and professional cleaning every six months for most healthy adults. This catches small problems early, when they are easier and cheaper to fix, and keeps gum disease in check.

Why six months?

Six months is short enough that most early cavities can be detected before they reach the nerve, and that tartar buildup can be removed before it causes gum disease. It's long enough that visits don't become a hassle for most patients.

When you might need more frequent visits

Patients with active gum disease often need a cleaning every 3–4 months. Patients with crowns, bridges, implants, or aligners benefit from closer monitoring. So do patients who grind their teeth or who have a history of frequent cavities.

When less-frequent visits might be reasonable

Some patients with excellent home care, no gum disease, and very low caries risk may safely extend to 9 or 12 months. We will tell you honestly if you fit that category.

How to know what's right for you

At your next visit, ask your dentist directly: 'What recall interval is right for me?' We will give you a real answer based on your gums, your habits, and your history, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.