How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

We all know that regular dental checkups are a central part of oral care. But exactly how often are you supposed to go to the dentist?

Here in Sacramento and elsewhere, professionals often recommend coming in twice a year. But this schedule won’t work for everyone. Your ideal appointment frequency depends on several factors, including:

  • Your overall oral health
  • Your daily habits
  • Your individual risk of gum disease or cavities

To find out how many dental visits you should schedule each year, read on. We’ll share why the twice-a-year guideline is so common, when you might need more frequent care, when less frequent visits may be appropriate, and what happens during a typical dental visit. By the end, you'll no longer have to ask, “How often should you go to the dentist?”

The Traditional “Twice-a-Year” Standard - Why It’s Still Common

After asking your dental professional, “How often do people go to the dentist?”, you may have gotten this answer: every six months. Although it’s not the perfect schedule for everyone, there are several reasons why this recommendation has been popular for so long.

Seeing your dentist two times a year helps to control tartar buildup, which can accumulate even if you brush and floss well. It also gives your dentist regular opportunities to spot early signs of dental issues like:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Worn-out dental work
  • Bite changes

Many times, your dental professional can catch these issues before they become painful or require expensive treatments. For many families in Sacramento, these routine checkups are an important safeguard against more serious issues.

Insurance coverage also plays a role in the semiannual recommendation. Many plans cover two cleanings per year, which encourages patients to have regular dental visits. Over time, these preventive appointments save you money by reducing the need for dental fillings, root canals, periodontal treatment, or emergency dental procedures.

Though there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation when it comes to dental visits, the twice-yearly guideline is a great starting point for many patients.

When You Might Need More Frequent Visits

A twice-a-year schedule could very well work for you. But some will benefit from coming in more often than that. Some conditions can increase your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental issues. In cases like these, you may need a visit every three to four months instead of every six months.

You may fall into this category if you have:

  • A history of gum disease or active periodontitis
  • Frequent cavities
  • Dry mouth from medications or medical conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy-related hormonal changes
  • A smoking habit
  • Braces or clear aligners
  • A weakened immune system

For patients with gum disease, three- or four-month periodontal maintenance visits are a must. These appointments can help you control inflammation, reduce bone loss, and keep bacteria levels down. Sacramento patients dealing with gum issues see greater improvement on a tighter schedule.

If your dental health isn’t the best and you’re still wondering “how many times should I go to the dentist?”, it’s time to see the dentist and ask them. They’ll evaluate your plaque levels, gum measurements, lifestyle habits, and medical history and recommend a personalized plan.

What Happens During Your Visit and Why It Matters

No matter how often you go to the dentist, each visit plays a key role in protecting your oral health. A typical appointment includes several steps designed to catch issues early and keep your smile healthy:

  • Your dentist checks for early signs of tooth decay, gum problems, infections, bite issues, and any areas of concern.
  • Professional cleaning. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar through scaling, then polishes your teeth to smooth them out and keep tartar buildup away.
  • Gum measurements. These readings help identify inflammation or early gum disease so treatment can begin before the condition progresses.
  • Bite and occlusion check. Your dentist evaluates how your teeth fit together. Bite issues can lead to discomfort, grinding, or uneven wear.
  • Oral cancer screening. A quick examination of the tongue, cheeks, lips, and other soft tissues can uncover unusual changes that may need closer evaluation.
  • X-rays as needed. Digital X-rays may be taken to spot hidden decay, infections, bone loss, or problems beneath existing dental work. Many Sacramento offices, including Natomas Crossing, also use technology like intraoral cameras to show you exactly what’s happening with your teeth in real time.
  • Restoration checks. Your dentist examines fillings, crowns, and other restorations to ensure they are still strong, stable, and functioning properly.

Every phase of the visit is designed to protect your long-term oral health.

Personalizing Your Schedule at Natomas Crossing Dental Care

At Natomas Crossing Dental Care, we don’t do one-size-fits-all schedules. Our team evaluates your oral health at every appointment to determine whether we need to see you every three, six, nine, or twelve months. We look at your:

  • Gum health
  • Plaque levels
  • Cavity risk
  • Lifestyle/medical changes

This risk-based approach ensures you receive the right level of care at the right time.

Whether you need a routine exam and cleaning, emergency dental treatment, pediatric dentistry, or dental fillings in Sacramento, we’ve got you covered.

So, how often do you need to go to the dentist? It should be decided on a case-by-case basis. No matter your age or life stage, we’re here to help you choose a visit schedule that keeps your smile healthy year-round. To schedule your next exam and cleaning in Sacramento, contact us today.