ADA Guidelines: How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

You’ve probably heard it before: visit the dentist twice a year. But is that really what everyone needs? The American Dental Association (ADA) does recommend routine dental visits — but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The timing depends on your oral health, medical history, and risk of future problems.

At Oakboro Family Dentistry in Oakboro, NC, Dr. Charles T. Bobo, Dr. Austin Mogy, and Dr. John Bedingham help patients find the right rhythm for their oral health.

The General Rule

For most people, the ADA suggests visiting the dentist every six months. These regular checkups allow dentists to catch issues early—before they become painful or expensive to fix. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, plaque can build up in places you can’t reach at home. That’s where professional cleanings come in.

These checkups include a cleaning, a full exam, and often X-rays, which help spot problems like hidden decay, wear on the teeth from teeth grinding, infections, or bone loss. Your visit may also include a quick oral cancer screening, which checks for unusual tissue changes in the mouth, tongue, or throat.

If you haven’t had a cavity in years and your gums are healthy, twice a year might be perfect. But for others, that might not be quite enough.

When More Frequent Visits Make Sense

Some people benefit from seeing the dentist every three or four months. This might include patients with:

• A history of gum disease
• Frequent cavities or dry mouth
• Conditions like diabetes, which can affect gum health
• Smokers, who are at increased risk for both gum disease and oral cancer
• Dental implants, crowns, or orthodontic appliances that need monitoring

These shorter intervals help prevent minor problems from becoming major ones.

Can You Wait Longer Between Visits?

Maybe. If your oral health is stable, and you have little history of decay or gum issues, your dentist may space visits out. But skipping cleanings for too long — even if everything feels fine — can allow buildup, inflammation, or silent issues to progress unnoticed.

Preventive Dentistry at Oakboro Family Dentistry in Oakboro, NC

At Oakboro Family Dentistry, Dr. Bobo, Dr. Mogy, and Dr. Bedingham use ADA guidelines as a starting point. Then they tailor visit frequency based on each patient’s health, history, and goals. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last appointment, they’ll help you get on track—without the guilt trip.

Call today to schedule your next visit and keep your smile headed in the right direction.

Categorised in: Dental Tips, Preventive Dentistry