How Often You Should See the Dentist and What to Expect

Of all the kinds of regular healthcare and upkeep your body requires, the most important is taking good care of your teeth because of the connection to your overall health. The American Dental Association® (ADA) recommends regular dental visits for teeth cleaning, X-rays and to catch any emerging dental problems before they become more serious or expensive. While the frequency of visits varies from individual to individual, an average of every six months is often recommended.

Why Regular Dental Exams Are Important

Getting regular exams can enable your dental provider to catch issues early when they are simple to treat rather than giving the problem time to evolve into something serious and potentially costly.

Recommended Dental Exam Frequency

Of course, going to the dentist alone isn't enough to keep your mouth healthy; you must practice consistent, routine upkeep of your teeth through regular brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits. Taking care of your oral hygiene isn't just a good idea, it's a crucial part of your overall health as decay and gum disease or periodontal disease is connected to other issues such as diabetes, heart disease and more. Visit The Academy of Oral and Systemic Health to discover the importance of how oral health effects systemic health.

Kids (1 to 17)

Children should begin seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in, or no later than their first birthday. Thereafter, about every six months is a good idea, depending on the general health of your child's mouth.

Adults (18+)

Adults with no dental problems should also visit the dentist approximately every six months or more or less frequently as recommended by their dentist based on the adult's periodontal condition, the medications a patient takes and the amount of dental work a patient has.

What to Expect During a Dental Exam and Hygiene Visit

There is no reason to be fearful of a dental exam or hygiene appointment. These shouldn't be painful unless you have unusually sensitive teeth and tender gums. If they are, let your dental team know and they can provide ways to minimize your discomfort.

The examination

First, your dental team may take X-rays so they can get good pictures of your teeth and roots to find cavities or other problems. The technician will lay a heavy protective shield over your torso to protect your body from the X-rays, and you will bite down on a small piece of plastic that is moved around different parts of your mouth.

Your dentist may ask you about what you drink and eat, make recommendations to limit some of those things and ask about your brushing and flossing habits.

Aside from looking for signs of general tooth decay and cavities, dentists may also examine your mouth, gums and teeth for other health concerns, such as periodontal disease and mouth cancer.

Hygiene or dental cleanings

A dental cleaning focuses on getting the plaque and hardened tartar off your teeth and is usually done by a dental hygienist (although some dentists prefer to do it themselves). The hygienist may use a small metal scraping tool applied directly to the tooth. After scraping off tartar, the hygienist will floss your teeth, or use an ultrasonic scaler, which relies upon vibrations to free up stickier pieces of tartar, and finish by polishing your teeth.

For kids 6 and over, the hygienist may put a sealant on the 6 and 12 year molars to prevent cavities (more common for children than adults) and/or apply a fluoride solution to prevent tooth decay.

How Much Does a Dental Exam Cost?

A dental exam typically ranges from $50 to $300 or more. Often included in your exam cost is the complete checkup of your teeth, gums and overall oral health. Some dentists will include the cost of your teeth cleaning in the fee they charge, while others will charge additional fees. Dental insurance may cover some or all of the associated costs, depending on what was done during the exam.

Dental Emergencies

Other than regular visits for preventative care, some signs that you may need to visit a dentist due to a problem or emergency include:

• Teeth that are sensitive to hot or cold
• Puffy gums, or gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
• Upkeep or fixing of fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Pain or swelling in the mouth, face or neck
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, an eating disorder or HIV
• A consistently dry mouth
• If you are receiving medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy
• If your jaw pops or is painful when opening and closing or chewing
• If you have an uneven bite
• Finding a spot or sore that doesn't look or feel right in your mouth

High-Risk Groups

Some people are at higher risk of developing oral health problems, or experiencing more frequent or severe tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic Black Americans are at greater risk of poor oral health.¹ Additionally, smokers are at greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as some mouth cancers. Diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDs and Alzheimer's disease can affect a person's oral health. Women have increased risks of periodontal disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder due to hormone fluctuations, such as those occurring during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause or with the use of hormone replacement therapy or birth control.¹ If you are in a higher-risk group, be sure to get regular exams and care.

Tips to Keep Your Mouth and Teeth Healthy

It's very important to take good care of your mouth by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, no matter your oral health situation.

Additionally, it makes good sense to limit candy and other sweets that can lead to tooth decay, as well as processed foods, which often contain added sugars and starchy foods. Things like crackers, chips and pasta break down into simple sugars, which are the “food" source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Try to consume more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and less sugar in general.

Dental Financing With the CareCredit Credit Card

Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures and other costs that insurance doesn't cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Howard Ong, M.A.G.D.

Dr. Howard Ong is a general dentist who specializes in dental implants and is one of the partners and owners of Oaxaca, Ong & Jensen Seal Beach DDS, located in Seal Beach, California. Due to his extensive training, he handles all surgery cases for the practice and is a proponent of using cutting-edge technology in the office.

Featured Video Care Expert

Dr. Kellen Mori, D.D.S.

Dr. Kellen Mori is a native of Brazil and has been practicing dentistry for 32 years. She practices in Beverly Hills, California, at the Bedford Dental Group, specializing in compassionate dental techniques, dental implants and has an eye for aesthetic perfection when it comes to dentistry. She is licensed to practice dentistry in both New York and California.

Author Bio

Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, Good Magazine, GoBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, PayPal, The Washington Post and more.