How often should you go to the dentist? Dental checkups explained

Dental checkups are an essential part of oral health care. It’s recommended that you see a dentist routinely. The time between checkups can range from three months to two years depending on your oral health and risk of future health problems. Some people may need to visit the dentist more often than others¹.

If you want to learn more about dental checkups, their importance, and how often you should see a dental hygienist, continue reading this helpful LISTERINE^® guide. We’ll provide you with all the help and advice you need to stay on top of your oral health.

Why do we need routine dental checkups?

Going to the dentist for a checkup is important, because it enables a health professional to identify any potential problems and take steps to manage your oral health.

• These visits can also provide an opportunity to address issues early on. They may help to prevent them altogether – which is preferable as untreated problems can worsen and become more difficult to treat as time goes on¹.

• Dentist checkups are essential even if you brush and floss regularly. During your appointments, the dentist will check the general health of your teeth and gums and monitor for early signs of dental decay, sensitive teeth, gum disease or more serious conditions¹.

How often should you have a dental checkup?

How often you should go to the dentist depends on the state of your teeth and your overall oral health. Some people require more frequent care and may require regular dental visits¹.

• Once you’ve had your checkup, your dentist will usually recommend a date for the next visit. This can range from three months to two years in the future. For those under 18, the next recommended visit may be up to one year later, as it’s important for children’s teeth to be assessed and monitored during key stages of development¹.

• The interval between your dental appointments typically depends on your risk of dental problems. Those with a good oral health routine can often wait longer periods between checkups, such as 12-24 months, while those with more notable issues will usually require more frequent visits¹.

How often should you see a hygienist?

How often you should go to the dentist for a cleaning depends on the quality of your oral hygiene. Many dental practices have dedicated hygienists who specialise in monitoring and assessing the cleanliness of your teeth. They can provide thorough cleaning during a dedicated hygiene dental appointment.

For instance, if you have a build-up of calcified plaque or tartar, you’re likely to need a ‘scale and polish’. This procedure will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, some of which may be below the gum line. If your hygienist finds further problems, they’ll recommend the next steps you’ll need to take. This can include flossing and using inter-dental brushes, as well as brushing².

A number of LISTERINE® products, including various types of mouthwash, can help you keep your teeth clean. For example, LISTERINE® Total Care Mouthwash provides five times more cleaning power when added to brushing and flossing*.

_{* Sustained plaque reduction above the gumline after a dental cleaning.}

What happens during a dental checkup?

During a dental checkup, your dentist will usually²:

Ask you about your general oral health and how your teeth have been since your last visit. They may also ask if you’ve changed any medication or started taking any new ones

• Examine inside your mouth, focusing on your teeth, gums and jaw

• Conduct any required tests or X-rays

• Ask about your lifestyle and give you advice on diet, alcohol, smoking and teeth cleaning

• Inform you of when you should book another visit for your next checkup.

Dental checkup anxiety – and management tips

If you’re feeling anxious before a dental checkup, try to remember that they are essential for maintaining and improving your oral health. Avoiding dental visits can impact your oral hygiene negatively, so it’s important to try your best to face your appointments even if it feels difficult at first².

There are some things that may help to reassure you as well³:

• Speak to your dentist and explain your feelings. You can then work with them to make your visits more relaxed

• Try breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your nerves and provide a distraction

• Take headphones with you and listen to music to distract yourself and provide a sense of calm. You could even create your own dentist checkup playlist

• Come up with a signal with your dentist that you can use if you feel overwhelmed or want the treatment to stop

• Bring along a loved one to attend your dental checkup with you or ask for the dental nurse to sit in for extra support.

Taking good care of your teeth can help reduce how often you need to see a dentist or dental hygienist. A few LISTERINE^® products can help you do this when used alongside brushing and flossing.

• LISTERINE^® Advanced Defence Gum Treatment Mouthwash – clinically proven to treat gum disease for healthier gums.

• LISTERINE® Total Care Stay White Mouthwash – proven to provide 10 benefits for total oral care, to maintain a clean and healthy mouth.

• LISTERINE^® Advanced Enamel & Sensitivity Protection Mouthwash – clinically proven to prevent enamel erosion and treat sensitivity.