How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Our team recommends that most patients schedule a dental exam and cleaning every six months. This routine allows us to stay on top of your oral health, catch early signs of issues like cavities or gum disease, and provide a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing may miss.

However, we understand that every patient is unique. If you have a higher risk for dental problems, such as a history of periodontal disease, smoking, diabetes, or a compromised immune system. Our team may suggest more frequent visits, such as every three to four months. For patients with excellent oral health and low risk, annual check-ups may be appropriate.

We personalize recommendations based on your health history and lifestyle. During your visit, we’ll discuss the best schedule for your exams and cleanings to ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Regular visits are the key to preventing dental problems and allowing for early treatment if any concerns arise.

At Rosecrans Square Dental, your oral health is our top priority. During a standard dental exam at our practice, our experienced dentist or dental hygienist will begin by carefully reviewing your medical and dental history. We take the time to listen to any concerns, changes, or symptoms you’ve noticed since your last visit.

Our dental team will then perform a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. Using specialized instruments and a small mirror, we check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental issues—ensuring every surface of each tooth and your gums are healthy.

Most checkups also include a professional dental cleaning, or prophylaxis. Our hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar buildup with state-of-the-art tools, polishes your teeth to remove surface stains, and flosses between your teeth to make sure your smile is as clean as possible.

Depending on your needs, age, and risk factors, we may recommend dental X-rays. These images help us detect problems that aren’t visible during the visual exam, such as cavities between teeth or issues with the jawbone. We’ll also check the fit and integrity of any existing dental work, like fillings or crowns, and assess your bite and jaw alignment. After your exam and cleaning, our dentist will review their findings with you, answer your questions, and discuss any recommended treatments or preventive care. We’ll also share tips on effective brushing and flossing, nutrition, and habits to keep your mouth healthy between visits.

We understand that every patient’s oral health needs are unique. While most dental professionals—including our team—recommend a dental exam and cleaning every six months, the ideal interval can vary depending on your individual circumstances.

The widely accepted six-month guideline is supported by research and clinical experience, showing that regular checkups help us detect issues like cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer early—when treatment is simpler and more cost-effective. During your visit to Rosecrans Square Dental, our skilled dental team also removes tartar and plaque that daily brushing and flossing may miss, helping to reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum problems.

For many of our patients with healthy teeth and gums, seeing us twice a year is the best way to maintain optimal oral health. However, some individuals—such as those with a history of dental issues, smokers, people with certain medical conditions (like diabetes), or those who are pregnant—may benefit from more frequent visits. Meanwhile, patients with consistently excellent oral health and low risk factors may be able to extend the time between appointments, based on our personalized recommendations.

We believe in individualized care. Our dentists will work with you to determine the best exam schedule based on your health history, habits, and personal risk factors. Regular dental exams, at intervals tailored to your needs, are essential for preventing problems and maintaining both your oral and overall health.

We know that the ideal frequency for dental exams varies from patient to patient. Several factors influence how often you should visit our office for a check-up, and our team is committed to providing personalized recommendations for your unique needs.

One of the main things we consider is your overall oral health. If you have a history of frequent cavities, gum disease, or other dental concerns, we may advise you to come in every three to six months. On the other hand, patients with consistently healthy teeth and gums might only need a dental exam at Rosecrans Square Dental once or twice a year.
Age is another important factor. Children, teens, and older adults experience different changes in their teeth and gums, so our Rosecrans Square Dental team may adjust exam frequency based on your stage of life. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, diet, and how well you care for your teeth at home also play a significant role. For example, if you smoke or consume a high sugar diet, we might recommend more frequent visits to help catch issues early.

Your overall health matters, too. Medical conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or medications that reduce saliva flow can increase your risk for dental problems. If you’re pregnant, hormonal changes can affect your gums, so more frequent exams at our Manhattan Beach office may be recommended.

Our approach is always individualized. We carefully review your dental and medical history, current oral health, risk factors, and any symptoms you might have. This allows us to create a tailored exam schedule that fits you best. Regular exams are essential for early detection and prevention—and as your needs change, we’ll adjust your schedule accordingly. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 11818 Rosecrans Ave, Ste B Norwalk, CA 90650. We serve patients from Norwalk CA, Artesia CA, Cerritos CA, Santa Fe Springs CA, Downey CA, Bellflower CA, La Mirada CA, Los Alamitos CA, Stanton CA, and surrounding areas.