How often, by situation
| Your situation | Usual interval |
|---|---|
| Healthy teeth and gums, little decay | Every 6–12 months |
| Gum disease, or treated for it | Every 3–4 months |
| Frequent decay | Every 3–6 months |
| Diabetes or smoking | Every 3–6 months |
| Dental implants | Every 6 months, sometimes more often |
| Braces or aligners | Every 6 months, alongside orthodontic visits |
| Pregnancy | At least once, as gums are more prone to bleed |
| Children | Every 6 months |
What a check-up covers
- Teeth, for decay, cracks and worn fillings
- Gums, including pocket depths around the teeth
- Your bite and jaw
- The tongue, cheeks and palate, to check for anything unusual
- X-rays only when there’s a reason
- Advice on cleaning, diet and any changes since your last visit
Why regular check-ups save money
Decay caught early needs a small filling; left alone, it can need a root canal and crown, or an extraction and implant. Early gum disease needs a clean and better home care; advanced gum disease can loosen teeth. Most problems don’t hurt until they’re well advanced.
Book yours
Petal Smiles is open 10am to 8pm every day, including Sundays. Our general dentist sees you for check-ups and cleaning, and a specialist sees you if you need one. See dental check-ups and teeth cleaning.
Questions patients ask us
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Usually every six months, or every three to four months if you have gum disease, build up tartar quickly, smoke or have implants.
Is it okay to go to the dentist once a year?
For many adults with healthy teeth and gums and little decay, yes. Your dentist should tell you what interval suits you.
How often should children see the dentist?
Usually every six months, starting by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth.
How often should I go if I wear braces or aligners?
You'll see the orthodontist regularly, but keep check-ups and cleaning too, usually every six months, as braces make cleaning harder.
What if I haven't been for years?
Book a check-up. Many problems found after a long gap are still straightforward to treat, and we won't lecture you.
Sources
NICE CG19: dental recall intervals ↗NHS: dental check-ups ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.