dental visit frequency

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Dental check-ups: how often is often enough?

Patrick Fee is a Clinical Research Fellow and Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry and leading author of an updated Cochrane Review Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. on dental check-up frequency. In this blog for anyone wondering how often they should have a dental check-up, and primary care dentists, Patrick discusses the latest evidence and what it means in practice.

Page last checked 3 July 2023

How often to recall our patients for a check-up is perhaps the most common decision dentists make. Traditionally most adult patients are used to having a routine check-up every 6 months, regardless of an individual’s risk A way of expressing the chance of an event taking place, expressed as the number of events divided by the total number of observations or people. It can be stated as ‘the chance of falling were one in four’ (1/4 = 25%). This measure is good no matter the incidence of events i.e. common or infrequent. of oral disease (e.g. tooth decay or gum disease). The most recent UK Survey reported that 61% of adults with teeth said the usual reason they attend the dentist is for a check-up (Hill 2013).

Dental check-ups allow early detection of oral disease, in particular dental decay and gum disease, as well as checking the health of the rest of the mouth (British Dental Association A relationship between two characteristics, such that as one changes, the other changes in a predictable way. For example, statistics demonstrate that there is an association between smoking and lung cancer. In a positive association, one quantity increases as the other one increases (as with smoking and lung cancer). In a negative association, an increase in one quantity corresponds to a decrease in the other. Association does not necessarily mean that one thing causes the other. 2000, Conway 2002). This allows dentists to treat problems early, before decay or gum disease progress and potentially need more complex treatment Something done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes. . Integrating the information collected as part of the check-up allows the dentist to use their clinical judgement to predict the individual’s likely risk of developing future dental disease and provide tailored advice to address specific risk factors. Preventive advice may include oral hygiene and dietary advice, and smoking cessation or alcohol-related health advice ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 , Public Health England 2017).

The risk of developing dental disease varies between individuals. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has therefore recommended a personalised risk-based check-up frequency since 2004. Time between check-ups would depend on an individual’s likely risk of developing dental disease, varying between three and 24 months. This recommendation is however based on low quality evidence, and despite this recommendation, encouraging patients to attend for check-ups every six months continues to be widespread.

New Cochrane evidence on how often people should visit their dentist for a checkup

The latest Cochrane Review on Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients (published October 2020) is an update of a review last published in 2013 which found very low-certainty evidence from one study An investigation of a healthcare problem. There are different types of studies used to answer research questions, for example randomised controlled trials or observational studies. and a lack of evidence to support or refute the practice of six-monthly check-ups ( Riley 2013 ).

Our updated Cochrane Review includes results from one additional UK-based study ( Clarkson 2020 ) which provides high-certainty evidence to the review question. We included a total of 1736 people from two studies who had regular dental check-ups. One study was conducted in a public dental clinic in Norway in children and adults aged under 20 years. It compared 12-monthly and 24-monthly check-ups, and measured results after two years. The other study was in adults at 51 dental practices in the UK. It compared six-monthly, 24‑monthly and personalised risk-based check-ups and measured results after four years.

The studies looked at how different intervals between check-ups affected: the number of people with tooth decay; the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay; gum disease (percentage of bleeding sites in the gums); and quality of life (well-being) related to having healthy teeth and gums.

This review found high-certainty evidence that in adults, there was little to no difference between six-monthly and personalised risk-based check-ups in:

• the number of tooth surfaces affected by decay
• gum disease
• well-being after four years

There was also probably little to no difference in the number of people with moderate-to-extensive decay affecting at least one tooth (moderate-certainty evidence).

For adults receiving dental check-ups in primary care settings, there is high-certainty evidence that, overall, there is no difference in oral health when comparing 6-monthly and risk-based check-up frequency. In addition, there is moderate- to high-certainty evidence that there is little to no difference in oral health when comparing a 24-monthly check-up with either 6-month or risk-based check-ups over a four-year period. We concluded that further studies comparing check-up frequency for adults in primary care seem unnecessary, given the certainty of the evidence The certainty (or quality) of evidence is the extent to which we can be confident that what the research tells us about a particular treatment effect is likely to be accurate. Concerns about factors such as bias can reduce the certainty of the evidence. Evidence may be of high certainty; moderate certainty; low certainty or very-low certainty.  Cochrane has adopted the GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) for assessing certainty (or quality) of evidence. Find out more here: https://training.cochrane.org/grade-approach .

We did not find enough reliable evidence about the effects of 12-monthly and 24-monthly check-ups in children and adolescents after two years and recommend robust studies in this area.

What does this mean for adults having routine check-ups?

This Cochrane Review shows that traditional practice of scheduling a universal, one-size-fits-all six-monthly check-up for all adults having routine check-ups is unlikely to improve oral health compared to a personalised risk-based check-up approach or compared to check-ups every two years when patients are at low risk of dental disease.

These results indicate that a risk-based check-up frequency can be supported, as it does not seem to be detrimental to oral health and is acceptable to patients. But it is important to understand this evidence relates to adults having routine check-ups, not those who need to seek emergency treatment or children.

Are there other risks if people have infrequent check-ups?

One of the persistent arguments in favour of maintaining six-monthly dental check-ups is that dentists may miss the opportunity to diagnose oral cancer lesions at an early stage in patients who attend less frequently. No studies in this review reported the effect of different check-up frequencies on detecting oral cancer. The incidence of oral cancer in the UK is highest in Scotland, at 10.0 per 100,000 males (Conway 2018). However, it has been reported that 53.7% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer had not attended a dental check-up at all in the two years before diagnosis (Purkayastha 2018). It is estimated that dentists in Scotland will see a case of oral cancer once every 10-20 years – depending on the geographical location ( Purkayastha 2018 ).

In addition, adults at higher risk of oral cancer are also at higher risk of dental decay and gum disease – people with higher alcohol intake, those who smoke, and individuals from lower socioeconomic status are at increased risk of all three diseases. A personalised risk-based check-up frequency would allow those individuals at greater risk to be seen more frequently, while healthy patients can be seen less frequently. Checking the health of the mouth is still recommended at every check-up, as is the recall of patients at high risk of dental disease and oral cancer more frequently than patients at low risk of these diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic and dental care  

This research is also valuable when considering the significant impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its effect on dental services worldwide, limiting patient access to dental treatment. Patient access to dental care may remain limited for some time, however the results of this review provide reassurance that intervals between check-ups can be extended beyond six months without detriment to oral health.

What is my risk of dental disease?

When weighing up an individual’s risk of developing future dental disease, a dentist will assess factors such as:

• self-performed oral hygiene habits and timing (e.g. brushing teeth, flossing)
• dietary habits – including amount and frequency of sugar intake
• fluoride use
• tobacco use
• alcohol intake
• signs of active disease
• plaque control
• quantity and quality of saliva (which helps to protect teeth against disease)
• past disease experience (which can be assessed through the number of teeth with fillings or teeth that have been previously extracted)
• medical history, including factors that may impact on oral health

Bringing this collected information together allows the dentist to use their clinical judgement to predict the individual’s likely future disease experience and recommend an appropriate tailored recall interval based on this risk assessment. This is a joint decision between dentist and patient and involves discussing the recommended interval, exploring patient preferences and expectations, and discussing any relevant financial implications.

In circumstances where there is uncertainty about an individual’s disease risk, an initial conservative recall can be extended if good oral health is maintained over time. On the other hand, previously longer recall intervals can be adjusted to account for changes in likely future disease experience (for example, if a new risk factor An aspect of a person's condition, lifestyle or environment that affects the chance of them getting a disease. For example, cigarette smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer. is identified at check-up).

Join in the conversation on Twitter with @PatrickAFee1    @CochraneUK and @CochraneOHG  or leave a comment on the blog. Comments are checked by the Editors before they are made public on the blog.

Please note, we cannot give specific medical advice and do not publish comments that link to individual pages requesting donations or to commercial sites, or appear to endorse commercial products. We welcome diverse views and encourage discussion but we ask that comments are respectful and reserve the right to not publish any we consider offensive. Cochrane UK does not fact check – or endorse – readers’ comments, including any treatments mentioned.

People who comment on our blogs often have further questions, including about the effects of treatments. If you have a question about a health claim you have heard or read (e.g. does the use of petrol pumps spread COVID-19 (coronavirus disease)?) you can submit it to  iHealthFacts , a fact-checking resource.

References (pdf)

Patrick Fee has nothing to disclose.

• dental check-ups

About Patrick Fee

Patrick is a Clinical Research Fellow and Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry based at Dundee Dental School. He graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2012 and gained membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in 2014. He took up his current role at the University of Dundee in 2016 as a researcher on the National Institute for Health Research funded INTERVAL Dental Recalls Trial, investigating the effect of dental check-up frequency on oral health outcomes. His research interests include clinical trials, dental caries, periodontal disease and systematic reviews and he has presented internationally in Europe and North America in these fields. He is an author with the Cochrane Oral Health Group and an examiner for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

6 Comments on this post

I am so happy you talked about how dental examinations enable for the early diagnosis of oral diseases, including tooth decay, gum disease, and overall mouth health. You said that this enables dentists to address issues before decay or gum disease worsens and perhaps requires more involved treatment. As an independent girl living alone for the first time in a city, I can barely make sense of, I feel it’s important I find a dentist I can go to for dental checkups like you said here. Thanks a lot.

Oh, okay. Thank to you, I now finally understand that twice a year is not a bad frequency at all for a personal dental checkup, provided we have normal oral condition. My nephew is wondering when should he bring his five-year-old daughter to see a dentist before she enters kindergarten next month. I’ll make sure he books an appointment on her behalf quickly so everything will be fine.

Your statement that dental exams enable early diagnosis of oral diseases, particularly dental decay and gum disease, is excellent. I’m new to the neighborhood and I’m looking for a nice dentist to take my son to this weekend. Thanks for highlighting the significance of regular dental exams and I hope to locate my son a good dentist soon.

Your blog is so interesting, Thank you for sharing your blog..

Its interesting when you said that dental check-ups allow early detection of oral disease, in particular dental decay and gum disease. I am new to my area and I am looking for a good dentist for my son. Thanks for the information on dental checkups and I hope that I can find a suitable dentist for my son soon!

One of the persistent arguments in favour of maintaining six-monthly dental check-ups is that dentists may miss the opportunity to make more money!

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How Often Should You Go To The Dentist?

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One hundred million Americans don't see their dentist every year, even though visiting the dentist regularly is essential in maintaining your oral health. With that being said, you have probably received a text, email, or phone call at some point in your life, reminding you that you are due for your 6-month visit with your dentist. You might be wondering, "how often should I really go to the dentist?"

The typical twice-a-year recommendation to visit the dentist originated from an advertisement for toothpaste, and there's little to no research that supports it. The twice-yearly rule isn't necessarily the best option for everyone. Read on to learn more about how often you should get dental checkups, why you might need to visit a dentist more often, why going to the dentist is essential, and what you can do to stay healthy and minimize your visits.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

While it's true that visiting the dentist twice a year is a good rule of thumb for many people, the truth is that you have your own unique smile needs. So it depends on your oral hygiene, habits, and individual medical conditions.

Some people only need to visit the dentist once or twice are year, while others may need to go more often. So, always remember to ask your dentist when you should schedule your next appointment. And don't worry! They'll probably tell you when they want to see you next anyway.

Who Should Go to the Dentist More Often?

Some people need to visit the dentist more than twice a year. But who? People with a greater risk of dental disease and other health conditions may need to see the dentist every three months or more. This higher-risk group includes:

• Pregnant women
• People with gum disease
• People with a weak immune response
• People who are prone to cavities or plaque build-up

Why is Going to the Dentist Important?

Even if you brush twice a day and floss daily, you still need to visit a dentist regularly! Your dentist and dental hygienist are trained to check for problems that you might not see or feel on your own. Some things, like cavities or gum disease, aren't even visible or painful until they're more advanced. When it comes to oral cancer , dentists and hygienists are often the first to find it for many patients.

Because the issue might either be preventable or more easily treated when caught early (like oral cancer ), seeing a dentist regularly matters. With regular visits, your dentist will find solutions to any red flags that will save you time, discomfort, and even money in the long run.

What Can You Do to Keep Dentist Appointments to a Minimum?

The best thing you can do to keep your dental visits to a minimum is to maintain good oral hygiene . So, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth daily using floss, interdental brushes, or an oral irrigator. And guess what? If your dentist doesn't see any cavities or signs of gingivitis for several years, they might even lengthen the time between your visits.

Now you know that how often you need to visit the dentist depends on your unique smile situation. For some people, like smokers and diabetics, it may be more often. But no matter what, visiting the dentist is a preventative measure that improves your overall health and makes things easier for you in the long run. If you keep up with your daily hygiene, your dentist may even cut back on your required dental appointments. Remember to always follow your dentist's advice in terms of your next appointment. And if it's been a while, it's time to respond to that text, call, or email from your dentists' office for your 6-month dental check-in.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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Optimal Oral Health: How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?

Introduction.

Unsure how often to visit the dentist? Conflicting viewpoints and advice make it easy to get confused. Don’t worry—we’ll help you find the ideal dental health balance.

Preventative maintenance and early detection of dental diseases require regular dental appointments. How often should you go? Your answer relies on your oral hygiene practice, dental health, and any unique concerns or issues.

This article discusses broad principles and elements to consider when deciding how often to visit the dentist. We’ll explain all you need to know about dental care, from routine checkups to preventive treatments.

Avoid misinformation and prioritize dental health. We’ll explain dental appointment frequency and help you select the best schedule. Stay tuned!

Regular dental appointments matter.

Regular dentist appointments are essential for oral health. They prevent problems as well as fix them. Regular dentist visits can spot any issues early, saving you from more costly and complex procedures.

Your dentist will check your teeth, gums, and mouth for decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues during these visits. They may also take X-rays to assess your dental health. These regular checkups allow your dentist to monitor your dental health and spot any issues.

Regular dental checkups include a physical evaluation and a professional cleaning. Even with careful brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. Professional dental cleanings remove these persistent deposits, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Regular dentist appointments are necessary for good oral health and the prevention of more serious dental disorders. You can keep your teeth and gums healthy by recognizing problems early and treating them.

Dental checkup frequency is advised.

How often should you see the dentist? Regular dental exams are advised every six months. This biannual regimen monitors oral health and detects issues early. Importantly, this frequency may vary depending on individual circumstances.

For people with gum disease or a higher risk of dental disorders, more regular checkups may be needed. Your dentist will evaluate your oral hygiene, dental history, age, and health to make individualized suggestions.

If you have good oral health and a low risk of dental problems, your dentist may recommend annual visits. Discuss your case with your dentist to select the best dental checkup schedule.

These frequency recommendations are basic guidelines; your dentist’s professional judgment should always be considered. They will evaluate your needs and make recommendations to preserve your oral health.

Factors affecting dental visit frequency.

The recommended dental checkups are every six months, but numerous circumstances may affect how often you should go. Factors include:

Keeping your teeth clean by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash may help you avoid dental appointments. However, even the best at-home care cannot substitute for professional dental cleanings and checkups.

• Overall dental health: If you have a history of cavities or gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits to evaluate and manage your oral health. To maintain the success and longevity of major dental treatments like dental implants or orthodontic work, regular follow-up visits may be needed.
• Certain disorders may demand more frequent dental appointments. Diabetes, immune system disorders, and cancer therapies may increase your risk of dental difficulties, so your dentist may recommend more frequent checkups.

Signals for earlier dental visits.

In addition to regular dental appointments, there are indicators that may require you to arrange an earlier appointment. Signs include:

• Persistent tooth discomfort or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures may suggest a cavity or an infected tooth. These symptoms should be evaluated immediately to prevent further damage.
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing, may indicate gum disease. To prevent gum disease, see a dentist if your gums bleed or are swollen and sensitive.
• Persistent foul breath: If brushing, flossing, and mouthwash don’t improve bad breath, you may have gum disease or tooth decay. A dental exam can diagnose and address the problem.
• Your teeth may be loose or shifting, which may suggest gum disease or other dental concerns. Avoid tooth loss and damage with a prompt dental evaluation.
• Mouth sores or ulcers: If they don’t heal after two weeks, see a dentist. They may suggest oral cancer.

Please book an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms or have any dental health concerns. Preventing major dental issues and maintaining oral health requires early action.

The benefits of regular dental appointments

Regular dental appointments improve oral and general health. Here are some benefits of regular dental checkups:

• Early dental problem detection: Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot dental disorders early, when they are easier to treat. This may prevent more comprehensive and expensive procedures.
• Prevention of gum disease: Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss and other health issues. Gum disease can be prevented or detected early with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene.
• Professional dental cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar, lowering cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. A full and deep clean is hard to achieve with at-home brushing and flossing.
• Better oral hygiene: Your dentist can evaluate your oral hygiene practice and make personalized recommendations during dental checkups. They can show you how to brush and floss properly and recommend oral care items.
• Health monitoring: Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and spot any issues. This includes checking dental restorations like fillings and crowns for lifespan and effectiveness.

Your dentist will screen for oral cancer during routine checkups. Early detection greatly improves oral cancer treatment and recovery. Prioritizing regular dental visits can help you achieve these advantages and lifetime oral health.

Preventable dental issues with regular checkups

Dental appointments are essential for preventing and treating common dental issues. Regular checkups can prevent or detect some common dental issues.

• Cavities: Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to detect cavities early and cure them with fillings. Early cavity treatment helps avoid tooth deterioration and loss.
• Gum disease: Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a common gum and tissue ailment. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor your gum health, detect gum disease early, and treat it.
• Regular dental visits can detect and treat mouth illnesses such as abscesses and root infections. Oral infections must be treated quickly to prevent their spread and preserve oral health.
• Tooth decay, gum recession, and enamel erosion can cause tooth sensitivity. To relieve tooth sensitivity, your dentist can diagnose and treat it at frequent appointments.

Oral cancer can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Your dentist will screen for oral cancer during regular dental visits. You may prevent more dental issues and maintain good oral health by treating these common issues early.

Oral health tips between dental visits

Regular dentist checkups are necessary, but good oral health requires ongoing care. Tips for good oral hygiene between dental visits:

• Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day using a gentle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush carefully in circles to reach all teeth and gums.
• Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gumline. Floss carefully and thoroughly, using a new portion for each tooth.
• Use mouthwash to destroy bacteria and refresh your breath. Use an antiseptic mouthwash that fights plaque and gum disease after brushing and flossing.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods. They can cause tooth decay and enamel erosion. After eating sugary snacks, carbonated drinks, and acidic foods, clean your teeth or rinse your mouth.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol can raise the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can enhance oral health.
• Drink plenty of water to rinse away food particles and bacteria and produce saliva to preserve your teeth and gums. Hydrate throughout the day, especially after meals.
• Chewing sugar-free gum promotes saliva, which neutralizes acids and removes microorganisms. Xylitol-sweetened gum has dental health benefits.

These recommendations will help you maintain good oral health between dental visits and enhance your professional dental care.

Finding your ideal dentist

Choosing the appropriate dentist can greatly affect your dental experience and oral health. Consider these factors while choosing a dentist:

• The dentist you choose should be qualified, licensed, and experienced in delivering complete dental care. Find dentists with advanced training or certifications in your area of need.
• Dental practice location and hours: Consider this. Choosing a dentist near your home or business can make scheduling and attending appointments easier.
• Service range: Assess the dental practice’s services. Make sure they can handle your general, cosmetic, orthodontic, or specialist dental requirements.
• Patient reviews and testimonials: Read reviews from current and former patients to assess the dentist’s care. Feedback from satisfied patients can suggest a skilled, responsive, and caring dentist.
• Comfort and communication: Consider your dentist’s comfort and the dental team’s communication style. A dentist who listens, discusses treatment alternatives, and makes you feel comfortable can improve your dental experience.
• Insurance and payment alternatives: Ask if the dentist accepts your insurance or offers flexible payment options. Knowing the financial elements of dental treatment can help you decide.

Research and visit many dental clinics to select one that suits your needs and provides a comfortable and supportive environment for dental care.

Overcoming dental phobia

Dental anxiety and dread can prevent people from getting needed care. To alleviate dental anxiety, try these:

• Talk to your dentist about your worries. A compassionate dentist will help you manage your anxiety by using relaxation techniques or taking breaks during operations.
• If your anxiety is extreme, your dentist may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation to help you relax during dental operations.
• To minimize anxiety before your dentist appointment, try deep breathing or visualization exercises. Listening to soothing music or using guided meditation apps can assist.
• Bring support: a trusted friend or family member

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From the time I walked in the door for my first experience here, everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The office was extremely clean and pleasant. The dentist was totally honest and helpful in making decisions for my teeth. The hygienist was friendly and informative. He did an excellent job. Overall a good experience. — Janet D.

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Visiting the dentist

Routine dental visits are important to maintaining a healthy smile. Have questions before scheduling your next dentist appointment? Get prepared with our articles covering commonly asked dental health-related questions, such as exam frequency, choosing the right dentist, and what to expect during your dental checkup.

What is dental anxiety?

What are the different types of dentists?

How often should I see my dentist?

Using teledentistry to manage oral health

Choosing the right dentist for you

Do you need antibiotics before your dental visit?

What happens during a dental checkup?

Why you should make your checkups yearly

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Featured Review: How often should you see your dentist for a check-up?

Recall intervals for oral health in primary care patients

Lead author Patrick Fee explains, “This research is valuable when considering the significant impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its effect on dental services worldwide, limiting patient access for dental treatment. Patient access to dental care may remain limited for some time. However, the results of this review provide reassurance to those providing and seeking dental treatment that intervals between check-ups can be extended beyond six months without detriment to the oral health of patients.

This review finds that a risk-based check-up is not detrimental to oral health and is acceptable to patients. There has been a longstanding international debate about the optimal frequency of dental check-ups and this review includes the most current and robust evidence available to investigate this issue. But it should be stressed this is about adults having routine check-ups, not those who need to seek emergency treatment or children.”

Why have a dental check-up? A dental check-up helps to keep your mouth healthy and lets your dentist see if you have any dental problems. It allows your dentist to deal with any problems early, or even better, to prevent problems from developing. Leaving problems untreated may make them harder to treat in the future. What happens in a check-up? At each check-up your dentist will usually:

• examine your teeth, gums and mouth;
• ask about your general health and if you have had any problems with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last check-up;
• advise you about tooth-cleaning habits, and your diet, smoking and alcohol use;
• if appropriate, recommend treatment needed for any dental problems.

After your check-up, the dentist will recommend a date for your next check-up. Traditionally, check‑ups are recommended every six months. However, some people are at higher risk of developing dental problems and may need more frequent check-ups, while others may not need check-ups so often. Why the team did this Cochrane Review Having check-ups every six months might help to keep your mouth healthy and avoid dental problems in future, but could also lead to unnecessary dental treatments. However, having check-ups less often might let dental problems get worse and lead to difficult and expensive treatment and care. The author team wanted to identify the best time interval to have between dental check-ups. What did the authors do? They searched for studies that looked at the effect of different time intervals between dental check-ups. The authors looked for randomised controlled studies, in which people were assigned to different intervals at random. These studies usually give the most reliable evidence.

Search date: included evidence published up to 17 January 2020.

• how many people had tooth decay;
• how many tooth surfaces were affected by decay;
• gum disease (percentage of bleeding sites in the gums); and
• quality of life (well-being) related to having healthy teeth and gums.

No studies measured other potential unwanted effects.

What are the results of the review? In adults, there was little to no difference between six-monthly and risk-based check-ups in tooth decay (number of tooth surfaces affected), gum disease and well-being after four years; and probably little to no difference in how many people had moderate-to-extensive tooth decay. There was probably little to no difference between 24-monthly and six-monthly or risk-based check-ups in tooth decay (number of people and number of tooth surfaces affected), gum disease or well‑being, and may be little to no difference in how many people had moderate-to-extensive tooth decay. The authors did not find enough reliable evidence about the effects of 12-monthly and 24-monthly check-ups in children and adolescents after two years. This was because of problems with the way that the study was conducted.

How reliable are these results? They are confident that there is little to no difference between six‑monthly and risk‑based check-ups in adults for number of tooth surfaces with decay, gum disease and well‑being. They are moderately confident there is little to no difference between 24-monthly check-ups and six-monthly or risk-based check-ups in number of tooth surfaces with decay, gum disease and well-being. Conclusions Whether adults see their dentist for a check-up every six months or at personalised intervals based on their dentist's assessment of their risk of dental disease does not affect tooth decay, gum disease, or well-being. Longer intervals (up to 24 months) between check-ups may not negatively affect these outcomes. Currently, there is not enough reliable evidence available about how often children and adolescents should see their dentist for a check-up.

• Read the full review on the Cochrane Library 
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• Learn more about Cochrane Oral Health
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How Often Should You See a Dentist? The Benefits of Regular Visits

In the pursuit of whole body well-being, one aspect often takes a backseat: oral health. Far beyond simply maintaining a dazzling smile, oral health plays a pivotal role in our overall wellness. 

At the heart of this dental well-being is regular dental check-ups , the unsung heroes of preventive care. These routine visits ensure the health of our teeth and gums and harbor a profound connection to our general health. 

Join us as we delve into the vital realm of dental care, unraveling the symbiotic relationship between oral health and our general well-being . From the sparkle of a pristine smile to the far-reaching impacts on our body, discover why prioritizing regular dental visits is a cornerstone of a healthier, happier life.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Maintaining optimal oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing diligently; it's about embracing a comprehensive approach that includes regular dental visits. 

Here's why you should see your dentist regularly:

1. Preventive Care: Regular dental check-ups go beyond merely addressing existing issues; they're proactive steps toward preventing potential problems . During these appointments, skilled dental professionals perform thorough examinations, removing plaque buildup and identifying early signs of trouble. This preemptive approach helps avert more significant dental concerns, translating into better long-term oral health.

2. Neglecting Regular Visits: Disregarding routine dental visits can unwittingly pave the way for dental issues to take root. Plaque buildup can escalate , leading to cavities, gum disease, and other complications. Furthermore, skipping visits means missing out on expert advice on oral hygiene practices and personalized guidance tailored to your dental needs.

3. Significance of Early Detection and Treatment: A timely detection is a powerful tool in combating dental problems . Regular check-ups enable dentists to catch issues in their infancy, like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early intervention not only minimizes discomfort but also prevents complications that may require extensive treatments down the road.

In essence, regular dental visits are like proactive insurance for your oral health.  ‍

Dental exams allow your dentist to identify and address concerns before they escalate, saving you from potential discomfort and hefty dental bills . Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this adage holds true in dentistry.

Factors Influencing Visit Frequency

Several factors come into play when determining how often you should see a dentist. These elements shape your unique dental needs and help you tailor your dental visit frequency for optimal oral health. 

Let's explore these factors:

Age and Life Stage

As we journey through different phases of life, our dental requirements evolve: 

• Children may need more frequent visits to monitor growth and address common issues like cavities and orthodontic needs. 
• Adolescents and adults often transition to a biannual schedule. 
• Seniors may require additional attention due to potential oral health changes associated with aging. ‍

Oral Health History

Your dental past leaves a mark on your future. We might recommend more frequent visits if you've had a history of dental issues like: 

• gum disease
• oral infections

Past problems can indicate a higher predisposition to certain issues, necessitating closer attention.

Genetics and Predisposition

Genetics plays a significant role in how oral health shapes up. If your family has a history of specific dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay, you might be at a higher risk . 

Dentists often consider genetic factors. They may adjust your visit frequency to accommodate potential predispositions.

Lifestyle Habits

Your daily choices can impact your oral health profoundly.

A diet rich in sugary or acidic foods might require more frequent cleanings to prevent cavities. 

Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to various dental problems. Your dentist may recommend more frequent check-ups to monitor and manage potential issues.

Dental health is a partnership. Tailoring your visit frequency based on these factors ensures a proactive approach to maintaining a healthy and radiant smile.

Recommended Visit Frequency for Different Age Groups

As individuals navigate various life stages, their dental needs evolve, making tailored visit frequencies essential for optimal oral health. 

Let's explore the recommended visit schedules for different age groups:

Children (0-12 years)

Early dental care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Introducing children to the dentist at an early age helps familiarize them with the dental environment. It allows for early detection of potential issues.  ‍

Dentists recommend biannual visits for children , fostering a routine of preventive care that includes: 

• guidance on proper oral hygiene ‍

Adolescents (13-19 years)

As teenagers transition from childhood to adulthood, their oral health demands continue to evolve. 

Biannual visits during these years are crucial for monitoring the impact of orthodontic treatments, addressing wisdom teeth concerns, and reinforcing proper oral hygiene habits. 

Adolescents are also more susceptible to issues like cavities and gum disease, making preventive care a vital focus.

Adults (20-64 years)

For adults, maintaining oral health takes on a new dimension. Biannual visits offer an opportunity to assess the cumulative impact of lifestyle choices and aging on oral health. 

These visits involve comprehensive examinations, professional cleanings, and discussions about any concerns or potential treatments. Regular check-ups empower adults to be proactive about their dental well-being and catch any issues early.

Seniors (65+ years)

As we age, our dental needs shift once again. Seniors may face unique challenges, including:

• systemic disorders

To address these concerns, we often recommend more frequent visits . These visits allow us to closely monitor oral health, offer guidance on maintaining dentures or dental implants, and proactively manage age-related dental issues.

Specific Dental Conditions and Visit Frequency

Certain dental conditions require tailored attention and visit frequencies to ensure effective management and optimal oral health:

• Gum Disease (Gingivitis, Periodontitis) : More visits during treatment and maintenance.
• Cavities and Dental Decay : Essential check-ups every six months.
• Orthodontic Treatment : More frequent visits for adjustments and progress tracking.
• Dental Implants and Prosthetics : Regular follow-ups for maintenance and longevity.

You can effectively manage your oral health concerns and enjoy the best possible outcomes by tailoring visit frequency to specific dental conditions. 

Regular visits provide necessary treatments and empower patients with knowledge and guidance to maintain their oral health between appointments.

Creating a Dental Visit Schedule

Crafting a personalized dental visit schedule is key to maintaining optimal oral health. Follow these simple guidelines to tailor your schedule to your unique needs:

• Baseline Visits : Begin with a comprehensive exam and cleaning to establish your oral health baseline. This sets the foundation for subsequent visits.
• Dentist's Recommendations : Rely on your dentist's expertise to determine your ideal visit frequency. They'll consider factors like age, oral health history, and specific concerns.
• Preventive Care : For most, biannual visits (every six months) strike a balance between regular check-ups and ensuring issues are caught early.
• Tailored Adjustments : Depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits during treatment phases or if you're at higher risk for certain issues.
• Flexible Scheduling : Understand that life varies, and your schedule can too. Dental health remains flexible to accommodate changes in routine.

Dentists serve as guides in your oral health journey. Their recommendations, rooted in expertise, gauge your unique needs. Adhering to their advice ensures timely interventions and proactive care. ‍

Flexibility Based on Individual Needs

Your oral health isn't one-size-fits-all. Individual factors influence visit frequency. From busy schedules to specific dental concerns, flexible scheduling ensures you receive the right care at the right time.

Remember, formulating a dental visit schedule isn't a solo endeavor. Collaborate with your dentist, embrace their insights, and align your schedule with your oral health goals for a radiant, lasting smile.

Benefits of Regular Dental Visits

Discover the manifold advantages that regular dental visits bring to your oral health, finances, and overall well-being:

• Improved Oral Hygiene : Each dental visit is a booster for your oral hygiene routine. Professional cleanings eliminate stubborn plaque and tartar, enhancing your at-home efforts and leaving your teeth gleaming and fresh.
• Cost-Effective : Prevention trumps treatment for both oral health and your wallet. Routine visits avert potential dental issues from escalating, sparing you the expenses of intricate treatments down the road.
• Early Disease Detection : Regular dental check-ups are your safety net against lurking dental problems. Timely visits allow your dentist to spot issues in their infancy, often before symptoms manifest, enabling swifter and less invasive interventions.
• Overall Well-Being : The ties between oral health and overall health are profound. Good oral health reduces the risk of systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular issues and diabetes. A healthy smile also bolsters self-esteem, fostering confidence and positively impacting your mental well-being. ‍

Incorporate regular dental visits into your lifestyle for a radiant smile and a healthier, happier you. With every visit, you invest in a future where oral health transcends aesthetics, resonating throughout your well-being.

Your Oral Health at Mary Qian Dental Group

Mary Qian, DMD, is a seasoned Palo Alto dental professional passionate about promoting optimal oral health and wellness. 

Dr. Qian has been at the forefront of patient-centered care , advocating for preventive measures and tailored treatment approaches. Her expertise spans from routine check-ups to specialized dental procedures, making her practice a trusted source in dental health.

For more insights and guidance on maintaining a vibrant smile and lasting oral health, visit our website or schedule an appointment online.

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The Importance of Regular Dental Visits: How Often Should You Really Go?

May 8, 2024 | Uncategorized

Imagine the feeling of walking out of your dentist’s office, your teeth feeling impeccably clean and your smile brighter than it was just an hour before. This refreshing feeling isn’t just about cosmetics; it’s a crucial part of maintaining your overall health. But how often should you indulge in this essential health ritual? Understanding the frequency of dental visits and the impact they have on your health can be the difference between a perfect check-up and an unwanted surprise.

Why Regular Dental Check-Ups are Non-Negotiable

Regular dental check-ups are pivotal not only for maintaining dental health but also for preventing complex health issues. Dentists do more than just clean your teeth; they check for signs of serious conditions like oral cancer, vitamin deficiencies, and even signs of diabetes. These visits are your first line of defense against tooth decay, gum disease, and the loss of tooth enamel.

Tailoring Your Dental Visits to Your Needs

The standard recommendation is to visit the dentist at least twice a year. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all schedule. Your dental visit frequency should be as unique as your smile. Here’s how to determine what’s best for you:

• For the Average Adult: If you have good oral hygiene and no persistent issues, visiting your dentist twice a year is sufficient. This bi-annual check-up usually suffices to catch any potential issues early.
• If You Have Gum Disease: Individuals battling gum disease may require more frequent visits, possibly every three to four months. These regular visits are crucial for monitoring your condition and preventing the progression of the disease.
• For Those with Braces: If you or your children have braces, your orthodontist might recommend more frequent check-ups to ensure teeth are aligning correctly and to adjust the braces as needed.
• Children and Seniors: Children should begin dental visits when their first tooth appears to ensure they are setting the stage for a lifetime of good dental health. Similarly, seniors might need to increase their visits due to complications from medications or complex health conditions.

The Role of Lifestyle and Genetics in Dental Health

Your lifestyle choices and genetic makeup can also dictate the frequency of your dental appointments. Smokers, pregnant women, diabetics, and people with weak immune responses may need to schedule more frequent visits. This tailored approach ensures that any related complications are managed proactively.

Overcoming Barriers to Regular Dental Visits

Many people avoid the dentist out of fear, inconvenience, or the perceived expense. However, neglecting dental health can lead to more severe health issues, which are often more costly and difficult to treat. Dental health professionals are increasingly aware of these barriers and can offer solutions such as sedation options for anxious patients, flexible scheduling, and payment plans to ease financial worries.

A Healthy Smile is a Lifelong Journey

Regular dental check-ups are an investment in your overall well-being. Each visit builds upon the last, helping to prevent the development of serious conditions while keeping your smile bright and healthy. Remember, maintaining oral health is a proactive rather than a reactive practice.

In conclusion, while the rule of thumb is to visit your dentist twice a year, the best practice is to consult with your dental professional about a schedule that suits your specific needs. By doing so, you ensure that your oral health journey is not just about maintaining a beautiful smile but also about preserving your overall health and quality of life. So, when was your last dental visit? If it’s been a while, consider this a friendly nudge to make that appointment. Your future self will thank you.

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Dental Check-Ups: How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?

Ever wondered how often you should be booking that dental chair? Despite the common belief that a biannual visit is the golden standard, it's not one-size-fits-all. Surprisingly, the twice-a-year rule stems from an old toothpaste ad, not solid research.

Your oral health needs are as unique as your smile. Whether it's once, twice, or more annually, your dental visits should be tailored to your specific needs. Understanding the right frequency for your check-ups is key to a healthy mouth.

Importance of Dental Check-ups

Preventing dental problems.

Regular dental check-ups are a critical part of maintaining your oral health. They offer the first line of defense against a range of potential issues.

• Prevents Cavities : Your dentist removes plaque and tartar to prevent the formation of cavities.
• Protects Against Gum Disease : Cleaning and examinations maintain gum health, averting periodontitis.
• Saves Money : Catching problems early can mean less expensive treatments down the line.
• Maintains Overall Health : Poor oral health has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

Real-life data underscores the effectiveness of preventive dental care. Surveys have found that those attending check-ups have fewer incidences of tooth loss and require less emergency care compared to those who visit the dentist only when issues arise.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

The early detection of dental issues during routine check-ups can save your teeth and a lot of discomfort.

• Identifies Oral Cancer : Your dentist screens for signs of oral cancer which, if caught early, can be treated more successfully.
• Finds Hidden Problems : X-rays can reveal issues beneath the gum line like impacted teeth or jawbone damage.
• Halts Progression of Disease : Addressing gum disease or decay before it worsens prevents tooth loss and more invasive treatments.

Through early detection, you're not only ensuring a healthy smile but also avoiding extensive, and often costly, treatments. For instance, dental professionals can spot and manage initial signs of gingivitis before it escalates into the more severe periodontitis.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Frequency of dental visits.

It's clear that visiting the dentist should be a routine part of your healthcare regime. Your specific needs are determined by various factors including your dental hygiene, lifestyle, and general health. Many dentists suggest that children should have their first dental visit before the age of two to foster familiarity and comfort with dental care. 

Tailoring your dental visit frequency is best done in consultation with a dental professional. They'll consider your risk factors for issues like cavities or periodontitis to recommend a schedule. Remember, regular appointments are not just about cleaning but also about early detection and prevention of potential problems.

Impact of Oral Health Habits

Your oral health routine has a significant impact on the frequency of professional dental care required. The Canadian Dental Association endorses brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once. If you're diligent with your oral care, your need for frequent cleanings or treatments may be reduced. However, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) emphasizes that mouthwash should supplement, not replace, brushing and flossing.

Diet also plays a pivotal role. Consuming foods high in sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay, which may necessitate more frequent dental visits. On the other hand, a well-balanced diet benefits your oral and overall health.

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, greatly affect your oral health. The CDC's findings around the prevalence of untreated tooth decay in smokers highlight the increased need for dental care in these individuals. The correlation between oral health and overall health is undeniable, and regular check-ups become even more crucial for those with lifestyle factors that elevate their risk.

Lastly, your overall well-being is a critical factor in determining how often you'll need to sit in the dentist's chair. Studies correlate poor oral health with systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So, it's not just about your teeth—it's about your comprehensive health profile. Regular dental check-ups support not only your smile but your wider health too.

Signs That Indicate a Dental Visit is Needed

Recognizing the signs that indicate a need for a dental visit can help you prevent minor issues from becoming major dental problems. Here's what to look out for:

Tooth Pain or Sensitivity

Tooth pain is your body's way of signaling that something isn't right. It could be caused by decay, a fracture, a damaged filling, or an abscess. Tooth sensitivity may be experienced when consuming hot, cold, sweet, or very acidic foods and drinks, or even during cold weather. This could indicate tooth erosion or receding gums exposing the more sensitive parts of your teeth.

• Intense pain might mean the tooth's nerve is damaged
• Lingering sensitivity suggests a potentially serious issue
• Sharp pain when biting could be due to a cavity or cracked tooth
• Throbbing pain might indicate gum infection or abscess

If tooth pain or sensitivity disrupts your daily life, seek dental care promptly.

Swollen or Bleeding Gums

Swollen or bleeding gums are often early signs of gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up. Left unaddressed, it can progress to more serious periodontal diseases.

• Regular bleeding after brushing or flossing isn't normal
• Red, tender, or swollen gums point to potential infection
• Bad breath alongside gum issues may also be a red flag

Regular check-ups can catch these symptoms early, and professional cleaning can remove the plaque causing the inflammation.

Loose or Missing Teeth

Adult teeth should last a lifetime but may become loose or fall out due to dental conditions. Indicators of serious dental issues include:

• Visibly loosening teeth which may indicate bone loss or weakened gum fibres
• Gaps appearing between your teeth, a sign of gum disease
• A sudden change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Loose or missing teeth not only affect your appearance but also your ability to speak and chew properly. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's vital to visit your dentist to address potential underlying issues.

Benefits of Regular Dental Visits

Maintaining consistent dental appointments is more than just ensuring your smile looks its best. Regular dental visits play a significant role in not only your oral health but also your overall well-being.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Your routine dental visit includes a professional teeth cleaning service, which is integral to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. During this process, dental professionals remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially from those hard-to-reach areas that your daily brushing and flossing might miss. The tools used for professional cleanings, like scalers effectively clean and sanitize your mouth, reducing the likelihood of infections and inflammation.

• Tartar Removal : This hardened plaque is removed meticulously, a task that's impossible to achieve with regular brushing and flossing at home.
• Polishing : After scaling, your teeth are polished, leaving you with a smoother and brighter finish that can actively resist further plaque accumulation.

Oral Health Education and Advice

Visits to your dentist are educational encounters where you gain tailored advice on maintaining oral hygiene. Dental professionals assess your oral care routine and provide feedback on techniques, products, and lifestyle choices that can impact your dental health. You'll learn the correct way to brush and floss, which can be surprisingly nuanced and specific to your needs.

• Dietary Recommendations : You'll receive guidance on foods and drinks that may harm your teeth and get tips on those that could actively support oral health.
• Lifestyle Counseling : Smoking cessation and its benefits on oral health are often discussed with dentists able to provide strategies to quit and ways to mitigate oral health risks if you smoke.

Customized Treatment Plans

Your dentist doesn't just work on the health of your teeth and gums; they devise personalized treatment plans that consider your unique oral health status and risks. During regular check-ups, existing conditions are monitored and any emerging issues are identified. This allows for early intervention, often simplifying treatments and improving outcomes.

• Risk Assessment : By considering your oral and general health history, a dentist can anticipate and preemptively treat conditions that you may be prone to.
• Ongoing Management : For those with chronic oral health issues, regular visits enable consistent management, reducing flare-ups and complications.
• Future Planning : Whether it's preparing for orthodontics , addressing wear and tear, or planning cosmetic procedures, regular visits allow you and your dentist to map out a long-term care pathway.

Are You Due for a Trip to the Dentist?

Remember, your oral health is a vital component of your overall well-being, and regular dental visits are key to maintaining it. By ensuring you're up to date with your check-ups, you're not only keeping your smile bright but also safeguarding yourself against potential health issues down the line. Don't underestimate the power of professional cleanings and the personalized guidance you receive from your dentist. The team at Wonsch Dental will be your partners in oral health, helping you to prevent problems before they start and providing you with the tools and knowledge you need for a healthy mouth. Make those appointments a priority – your future self will thank you for it.

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The importance of preventive dental visits from a young age: systematic review and current perspectives

Vaishnavi bhaskar.

1 Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Kathleen A McGraw

2 Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Kimon Divaris

3 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Dental caries, the most common childhood chronic disease, disproportionately affects vulnerable parts of the population and confers substantial impacts to children, families, and health systems. Because efforts directed toward oral health promotion and disease prevention are fundamentally superior to dental rehabilitation secondary to disease development, early preventive dental visits (EPDVs) are widely advocated by professional and academic stakeholders. The aim of this comprehensive review was to critically review and summarize available evidence regarding the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health outcomes.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed and Embase electronic databases was undertaken to identify peer-reviewed publications investigating the effectiveness of EPDVs on oral health outcomes, including clinical, behavioral, and cost end points up to October 30, 2013. Outcomes of the identified studies were abstracted and summarized independently by two investigators.

Four manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. All studies were conducted in the US and employed a retrospective cohort study design using public insurance-claims data, whereas one study matched claims files with kindergarten state dental surveillance data. That study found no benefit of EPDVs in future clinically determined dental caries levels in kindergarten. The other three studies found mixed support for an association of EPDVs with subsequent more preventive and fewer nonpreventive visits and lower nonpreventive service-related expenditures. Selection bias and a problem-driven dental care-seeking pattern were frequently articulated themes in the reviewed studies.

The currently available evidence base supporting the effectiveness of EPDVs and the year 1 first dental visit recommendation is weak, and more research is warranted. The benefits of EPDVs before the age of 3 years are evident among children at high risk or with existing dental disease. However, EPDVs may be associated with reduced restorative dental care visits and related expenditures during the first years of life.

Introduction

The importance of oral health in the early years of life is well documented, and advocated by professional and academic stakeholders worldwide. 1 – 3 Importantly, early childhood oral health influences and outcomes are considered pivotal in determining oral health trajectories across the life course, and can impact oral health and disease occurrence in adulthood. 4 , 5 Specifically, early childhood caries, the most common chronic childhood disease, is known to disproportionately affect vulnerable parts of the population and confer substantial impacts to children, families, and health systems. 6 The list of possible sequelae of early childhood caries is long, and includes dental and medical consequences, pain, diminished quality of life, lost time (children’s from school and caregivers’ from work or other activities), increased expenditures, and others. 7

Despite significant strides in foundational sciences and the practice of clinical dentistry during the last few decades, the burden of childhood caries has persisted in most populations. In fact, evidence indicates that oral health disparities may actually be on the increase. 8 , 9 Population-based strategies focused on prevention of oral disease are warranted to reduce these disparities. Moreover, efforts directed toward disease prevention are fundamentally superior to dental rehabilitation secondary to disease development when viewed from social justice, human rights, and health-promotion perspectives. 10 Nevertheless, common preventive protocols, such as the schedule and periodicity of routine dental visits, are not supported by a solid evidence base. 11 , 12 Similarly, uniform recommendations for early preventive dental visits (EPDVs) for infants and children have been challenged with regard to the evidence base supporting their timing and benefit to different population groups. 13 – 15

Various recommendations regarding the timing of children’s first dental visit are available in the public domain, emanating predominantly from nonauthoritative sources. 16 , 17 Currently, major professional associations’ (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, Australian Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics) recommendations converge to the first dental visit taking place early, at the time of the first tooth eruption (around age 6 months) or by age 1 year. 18 – 21 Despite these recommendations, the presence of visible caries lesions or dental trauma appear to impel most children’s first dental visit. 22 , 23 Compounding this frequently problem-initiated pattern of care seeking, caregivers’ ability to recognize early signs of dental caries in very young children is limited. 24

The current rationale for EPDVs, above and beyond the delivery of such preventive services as fluoride treatment, includes the concepts of establishment of a dental home, anticipatory guidance, and risk assessment. 15 , 18 , 25 , 26 Because caregivers’ role is a major influence on their children’s oral health behaviors and outcomes, 5 , 27 , 28 EPDVs offer an opportunity to educate caregivers of young children regarding optimal oral hygiene, feeding practices, and dental attendance, and prevention of early childhood caries and dental trauma. 29 – 34 Nevertheless, evidence on the effectiveness of preventive dental visits from a young age in improving children’s oral health outcomes is scarce. To add to the knowledge base of EPDVs, we carried out a comprehensive review of recommendations and published evidence regarding the benefits of EPDVs. Accordingly, our aim was to systematically review and summarize current evidence regarding the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health outcomes.

We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed and Embase via Elsevier electronic databases to identify relevant published studies. The search strategy combined sets of terms covering three concepts: early preventive dental visits, outcomes, and infants or preschool children. The following search was used in PubMed and modified for the Embase via Elsevier platform: (dental[tw] OR dentist*[tw]) AND (visit*[tw] OR appointment*[tw]) AND (prevent*[tw] OR early[tw]) AND (quality of life[tw] OR absenteeism*[tw] OR outcome*[tw] OR utilization[tw] OR economics[subheading] OR cost[tw] OR costs[tw] OR expenditure*[tw] OR nonpreventive[tw] OR restorative[tw] OR emergenc*[tw] OR health behavior[mesh] OR oral hygiene[tw] OR decay[tw] OR caries[tw] OR dmft[tw]) AND (infant [mesh] OR infant* [tw] OR baby [tw] OR babies [tw] OR newborn [tw] OR neonate* [tw] OR child, preschool [mesh] OR preschool child* [tw] OR young child* [tw]). No limits based on language, country or publication year were used. Gray literature, such as reports and conference proceedings, were excluded from Embase search results. The search was initially conducted in August 2013, and was last updated on October 30, 2013. During the last update, our knowledge of the newly released study online by Beil et al 35 made us aware that the complexity of language used to describe young children might exclude retrieval of articles not yet indexed in PubMed. As a result, we also searched using only the EPDV part of the search and examined all the nonindexed articles for relevance.

To aid in study identification, we developed inclusion and exclusion criteria ( Table 1 ) based on the objective of this review, in the following categories: study population (children age 0–6 years), type of dental services (dental office-based oral evaluation and prevention services), and study outcomes (oral health-related clinical, behavioral, or expenditure outcomes). For this review, we excluded studies involving children with special health care needs and those published in languages other than English. First, the title and abstract were reviewed to determine potential relevance. Second, full texts of all potentially relevant articles were evaluated by two investigators (VB and KD), and the articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for this review. Finally, the following data from included studies were abstracted in a summary table: location, title, first author’s name, type of study, study population, and outcomes, and overall findings independently by two investigators (VB and KD). Although we did not intend a formal quality assessment of the included studies, we did critique their methodology and major findings, and where applicable, this is reported in the “remarks” column of the data-abstraction table.

Selection criteria for the inclusion of studies in the systematic review

Our initial literature search identified 484 manuscripts in PubMed and 90 additional ones in Embase, 45 of which were duplicates, creating a total database of 529. One additional potentially relevant nonindexed article was identified in PubMed during the search update, for a total of 530. After initial screening of titles and abstracts, as described in the Materials and methods section, 24 manuscripts were selected for full-text evaluation. Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, four manuscripts were selected for inclusion in this review. 35 – 38

All four studies used a retrospective cohort study design and were carried out in the US ( Table 2 ). With the exception of the Savage et al 36 report, which was published in 2004, the studies were published recently, in 2012–2013. All studies utilized public insurance (Medicaid, a US social health care program for families and individuals with low income and resources) claims and had large sample sizes, ranging between 9,204 and 36,805 ( Table 3 ). EPDVs were defined using dental claims for preventive care (comprehensive or recall examination, and preventive services including fluoride varnish and dental prophylaxis) with few between-study variations. Three of the studies examined future preventive and nonpreventive dental visits and related expenditures as the primary outcomes. 36 – 38 Importantly, in the most recent study, Beil et al 35 merged public insurance claim files with state kindergarten dental surveillance data, and thus this was the only study using a clinical end point (dental caries, as measured by the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index) as the study outcome. All investigations employed multivariate modeling methods to control for established sociodemographic confounding factors and study-design characteristics. Notably, Sen et al 38 implemented an additional econometric multivariate modeling strategy based on “individual fixed effects”, which according to the authors proved superior and more robust against the effects of selection bias compared to previously used “naïve” modeling approaches.

List of studies included in the review of the effectiveness of early preventive dental visits in improving children’s oral health outcomes

Abbreviation: PMID, PubMed ID.

Summary of the reviewed studies investigating the effectiveness of early preventive dental visits (EPDV)

Abbreviation: DMFT, decayed, missing, and filled teeth.

The Beil et al 35 study, among other comparisons, contrasted children who had their first preventive dental visit before versus after age 18 months and found no benefit of EPDV in future clinically determined dental caries levels when children were examined in kindergarten. Savage et al 36 found that children who had an EPDV by age 1 year (n=23, or 0.24% of the study sample) were more likely to have future preventive dental visits and were equally likely to have future restorative or emergency ones versus children who had a preventive visit at a later age. These authors also reported a positive association between the age of the first dental visit and future dental-related Medicaid expenditures. In contrast, Beil et al 37 did not find any difference in subsequent dental outcomes between children who had primary or secondary prevention services by the age of 18 months and those that received services at an older age. These authors highlighted the possible issues of selection bias and problem-driven dental care-seeking patterns in this type of dental care-service research study. Finally, in the Beil et al 35 report, the authors found that preventive dental visits were associated with significant reductions in children’s subsequent nonpreventive dental visits and related expenditures, appearing to benefit their oral health. However, they reported that preventive visits were associated with an overall increase in the program’s expenditures during the study period.

In this paper, we sought to critically and comprehensively evaluate the evidence base of the effectiveness of EPDVs in improving children’s oral health, and found limited evidence in that direction. The only study that considered a clinical end point by investigating dental caries levels at kindergarten did not find any effect of EPDVs. Nevertheless, earlier preventive dental visits appear to be associated with more future preventive visits. Data on EPDVs’ effects on subsequent dental treatment (nonpreventive) visits and related costs from three studies are mixed; however, the largest study to date reported an association of EPDVs with fewer future nonpreventive dental visits and lower nonpreventive dental expenditures. While these data provide partial support for EPDVs and the year 1 dental visit, particularly for children at high risk or with existing dental disease, more studies among diverse populations are warranted to add to the evidence base.

The fact that to date there are insufficient data to conclusively support the human and economic benefits of EPDVs for all children does not imply that these benefits do not exist. There is ample theoretical and philosophical support for the benefits of health promotion and primary prevention over disease management and treatment, 39 – 41 while EPDVs are consistent with the establishment of a “dental home”. 25 , 26 , 29 The latter is philosophically aligned to the American Academy of Pediatrics concept of a medical home, where comprehensive pediatric primary care is provided contiguously, in a setting where provider and families “should be able to develop a relationship of mutual responsibility and trust”. 42 Ideally, the establishment of a dental home should take place at a time when provision of anticipatory guidance to caregivers and application of preventive modalities to children can have a true primary preventive effect, prior to the occurrence of disease or traumatic injury. The establishment of a dental home may be especially important for children of caregivers with low health literacy 28 or socioeconomic disadvantage, 43 , 44 and generally those at high risk for dental disease. 45

Earlier preventive dental visits were associated with more subsequent preventive visits in both the Savage et al 36 and Sen et al 38 studies, with the total program oral health-related expenditures being positively associated with EPDVs in the latter. The observation that “prevention costs” may not result in immediate program savings is, to some degree, expected. 46 First, long-term benefits of EPDVs may not be discernible in the 2- to 5-year observation windows of the reviewed studies. Second, possible positive effects on oral health behaviors, wellness, quality of life, pain, and lost time averted due to restorative treatment needs are not easily quantifiable and cannot be readily juxtaposed to dollar expenditures. However, this also offers an opportunity for the conduct of future studies examining the effects of EPDVs using additional oral health-related outcomes, such as caregivers’ oral health knowledge and behaviors, and children’s oral health-related quality of life.

Despite current professional recommendations for the year 1 dental visit, very few children actually had such a visit, illustrating a complex problem. First, information available to caregivers (ie, freely available online) regarding their children’s first dental visit is not always in agreement with the professional recommendations. 16 , 17 As most authors noted, patterns of dental care seeking for very young children appear to be problem-initiated rather than driven by primary prevention. Moreover, it is well documented that shortages in the dental workforce (general and pediatric dentists) pose a barrier to access to care for large portions of the population, particularly those enrolled in public insurance and residing in rural areas. 47 , 48 In an environment with limited resources, it appears reasonable to support a need- and risk-based prioritization of EPDVs, 35 , 37 as low-risk groups may benefit the least from early dental office-based visits. 49 On the other hand, the task of determining clinical treatment needs and caries risk without an EPDV remains a challenge, because the actual oral health trajectory of individual children is otherwise unobservable.

In this regard, the potential role of nondental providers in screening all young children and referring those at high risk and with treatment is crucial. This model has been successfully implemented in North Carolina, as the Into the Mouths of Babes program, 50 resulting in improvement of oral health care-services utilization 51 and reductions of dental caries-related treatments among preschool children. 52 Although econometric evaluations of the program did not reveal any cost savings, 53 , 54 this model offers an excellent avenue for the delivery of preventive oral health services (ie, fluoride varnish application) and the conduct of oral health screenings and referrals for specialist care. These services are not offered in a dental setting; however, these visits can be considered EPDVs and further research on their effectiveness in improving children’s oral health outcomes is warranted.

The currently available evidence base supporting the effectiveness of EPDVs and the year 1 first dental visit recommendation is weak, and more research among diverse populations is warranted. Despite the strong theoretical and philosophical support for Benjamin Franklin’s “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, evidence to date has shown benefits of preventive dental visits before age 3 years only among children at high risk or with existing dental disease. Nevertheless, EPDVs are associated with more subsequent preventive dental visits, and may be associated with reduced restorative dental care visits and related expenditures during the first years of life.

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Effect of Different Frequencies of Dental Visits on Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease: A Scoping Review

Affiliation.

• 1 Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, Adelaide Dental School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
• PMID: 37835128
• PMCID: PMC10572504
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196858

Recommending dental visits every six months is commonplace among dental practitioners worldwide. A scoping review was conducted by electronically searching PubMed, Scopus and Embase to identify and map the nature of evidence for the effect of different frequencies of dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease. Studies were written in English on the frequency of dental visits and published between January 2008 and April 2023. Three systematic reviews that evaluated the risk of bias, strength of studies and certainty of evidence were included from the 4537 articles yielded through the search strategy. The available evidence was weak and of low quality for the currently recommended frequencies of dental visits, whether these are fixed or universal. For adults, there was little to no effect of making biannual, biennial or risk-based dental visits on dental caries and periodontal disease, which was supported by moderate- to high-certainty evidence. Accordingly, it is suggested that dental professionals and dental insurance providers make individually tailored, customised and risk-based recommendations for dental visits, rather than encouraging fixed or universal frequencies of dental visits. For children and adolescents, further research on this issue warrants well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies of sufficient duration with an adequate number of participants.

Keywords: dental caries; frequency of dental visits; periodontal disease; recall intervals; scoping review.

Publication types

• Dental Caries* / epidemiology
• Periodontal Diseases* / epidemiology
• Periodontal Diseases* / therapy
• Time Factors

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