Let’s explore the recommended frequency for different age groups and circumstances. The first thing to mention is that there are a few general guidelines which are pretty much universal (we as dental professionals adhere to these ourselves).  Everybody should have their teeth checked by a dentist at least once a year (more often for those with a history of problems or who are either young, old or with a current lifestyle or health challenge. These would include interruptions to normal routine: a period of ill health or hospitalisation, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and active orthodontic treatment. Anything which would increase susceptibility or make it harder to clean in fact. 

Children and young adults are particularly susceptible to dental disease, along with adults over the age of 70.  This is because, in the young, the immune system is immature, and habits are not established; in older patients, the immune system becomes less effective, and the quality of the saliva deteriorates.  Many older patients take multiple medications or suffer from chronic ill health, However, there is no ”one size fits all”.

The other absolute is that with very few exceptions, everyone benefits from seeing a dental hygienist at least every 6 months. A full 40-minute session with a hygienist delivers a very deep clean and is far more than the brushing and flossing/ interdental cleaning of a twice-daily routine at home (which rarely extends beyond 3 minutes).

Adults

Dental Examinations for Adults

For most adults, a check-up every twelve months is adequate for maintaining optimal oral health. These visits typically include:

• Assessment of all teeth: early decay can be identified and treated before significant damage or pain occurs.
• Identify cracks in teeth.
• Identify wear.
• Gum disease assessment: Monitor gum health and suggest early intervention if needed.
• Oral cancer screening: dentists are trained to assess the soft tissues of the mouth and enable early diagnosis.

However, certain factors may necessitate more frequent visits.  We recommend every 6 months in the following circumstances.

• A heavily restored dentition: many fillings or crowns in the past.
• A susceptibility to gum disease.
• Smoking: Significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
• Diabetes: Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can affect gum health.
• Cancer treatment, including radiation therapy: This covers conditions or medications that affect the saliva and the immune system.
• Periods of hospitalisation: where normal routines have become disrupted. Very occasionally, we will request to see you every 3 – 4 months.  This would be appropriate during periods of very ill health or immediately following a very extensive course of dental treatment.

It’s important to discuss your circumstances with your dentist to determine the optimal schedule for your needs. A detailed medical history update is required at each examination to enable us to fully understand your general health and any impact on your oral health.

Visits to the Dental Hygienist for Adults

Many people have never been shown how to clean their teeth well. They may have been taught by their parents who, in turn, may not have great routines or understanding of themselves and who, in turn, were taught by their parents in a similar situation. This can lead to habits and expectations of a very different era where people lost their teeth very early in life.

The Importance of Regular Oral Hygiene Checks with the Hygienist

While a sparkling smile is a welcome outcome, the benefits of regular oral hygiene checks extend far beyond aesthetics:

• Early detection and prevention: Identify potential problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their early stages.
• Professional cleaning: Removes plaque, biofilm, stains and tartar buildup, helping to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
• Personalised advice and education: Tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and lifestyle choices.
• Maintaining overall health: Oral health is linked to overall health, impacting conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Factors Influencing Oral Hygiene Check Frequency

While the general guidelines provide a good starting point, your ideal dental hygiene visit frequency may vary depending on several factors.  These are a guide to our recommendations:

• Every 6 months: For a stable, healthy, relatively unrestored mouth with no gum disease, good general health and no special factors. This is the default minimum interval.
• Every 3-4 months: If there has been a history of a lot of dental decay or gum disease in the past.
• Every 3 months: If there has been any complex restorative treatment or if there are any dental implants present. 
• Every 3 months: At times of increased risk – poor general health, pregnancy, active orthodontic treatment.
• Every 2-3 months: Where oral hygiene is particularly poor and susceptibility to gum disease or decay is very high.

Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal frequency for your oral hygiene visits is to discuss your individual needs and circumstances with your dentist and hygienist. They can assess your oral health, consider your risk factors, and recommend a personalised schedule that helps you maintain a healthy and happy smile for life.