Is going to the dentist twice a year really necessary?

For most patients, yes. Twice-yearly visits allow your dentist to remove tartar buildup that cannot be removed at home, catch cavities and gum disease early, and perform oral cancer screenings.

What if I have not been to the dentist in several years?

It is never too late to restart. We see patients who have not visited a dentist in many years all the time, and we are judgment-free.

Do I need to see the dentist if my teeth feel fine?

Yes. Many dental problems, including cavities, early gum disease, and even oral cancer in early stages, cause no pain or visible symptoms.

How often do children need to go to the dentist?

Children should visit the dentist every six months. Their first visit should happen by age one or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Modern digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation. For most adults, bitewing X-rays are recommended once per year.

How Often Should You Visit the Dentist? A Guide for Southern Maryland Patients

One of the most common questions patients ask when they call our Solomons, MD dental office is: how often should I actually be going to the dentist? The answer is not one-size-fits-all, but for most people, the standard recommendation holds: twice a year, or every six months.

However, depending on your oral health history, risk factors, and current dental health status, you may need to come in more or less frequently. In this guide, Dr. Louis B. Sachs breaks down the recommendations, explains what happens at a routine checkup, and explains why skipping those appointments often costs more in the long run.

Most adults and children benefit from a professional cleaning and comprehensive exam every six months. Patients with gum disease or a higher cavity risk may need visits every three to four months.

The Standard Recommendation: Every Six Months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that patients visit the dentist at least once a year, with most patients benefiting most from biannual visits (every six months). This frequency allows your dentist to:

Remove plaque and tartar buildup before it progresses to cavities or gum disease
Detect small cavities while they are still easy and inexpensive to treat
Monitor changes in your gum health over time
Perform an oral cancer screening at every visit
Update X-rays as needed to catch issues invisible to the naked eye

The six-month interval became standard because it reflects the rate at which plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) in most people. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by brushing and flossing at home and requires professional instrumentation to remove.

Who Needs to Come in More Often?

Some patients need more frequent care than twice a year. At our Solomons office, Dr. Sachs may recommend every three to four month visits if you have:

Gum disease (periodontitis or gingivitis) - Active or recently treated gum disease requires more frequent monitoring to prevent recurrence and progression.
A history of frequent cavities - Some patients are simply more cavity-prone due to diet, saliva composition, or genetics.
Dry mouth - Saliva is the mouth's natural defense against bacteria. Reduced saliva flow from medications or medical conditions dramatically increases cavity risk.
Diabetes - Diabetes and gum disease have a bidirectional relationship; diabetic patients require closer oral health monitoring.
Smokers or tobacco users - Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and tooth loss.
Pregnant women - Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gum inflammation (pregnancy gingivitis). Dental visits during pregnancy are safe and important.
Patients with a weakened immune system - Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system increase susceptibility to oral infections.

Who Might Be Fine with Annual Visits?

Some adults with an excellent oral hygiene routine, no history of gum disease, low cavity risk, and stable dental health may be appropriate candidates for annual visits. This is something Dr. Sachs evaluates on a patient-by-patient basis. Do not assume once-a-year is sufficient without discussing your specific situation with your dentist.

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

A routine dental visit at our Solomons, MD office includes two main components: a professional cleaning and a comprehensive exam.

Professional Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

Your cleaning is performed by our dental hygienist. During the cleaning, she will:

Scale and remove tartar deposits from above and just below the gumline
Polish the surfaces of your teeth to remove surface staining and plaque
Floss between all teeth
Apply a fluoride treatment if appropriate

The cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on how much tartar is present and the health of your gums.

Comprehensive Dental Exam

Following the cleaning, Dr. Sachs performs a thorough examination that includes:

Visual inspection of all teeth for cavities, cracks, wear, and existing restorations
Periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depths
Oral cancer screening of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of mouth, and throat
Review of X-rays (typically taken once per year for most patients)
Discussion of any concerns or changes since your last visit

Why Skipping Dental Visits Costs More

We understand that life gets busy and dental visits can feel like an easy thing to postpone. But the data tells a clear story: every dollar spent on preventive dental care saves $8 to $50 in restorative treatment, according to the ADA.

A small cavity detected at a six-month checkup is treated with a simple filling costing a fraction of what a crown or root canal costs when the same cavity is left to grow for two or more years. Advanced gum disease that could have been arrested with regular professional cleanings may ultimately lead to tooth loss and the cost of implants or dentures.

Beyond cost, there is the matter of comfort. Small problems treated early are almost always less invasive, less painful, and resolved faster than problems that have been allowed to progress.

When Should Children Start Seeing the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting. At Louis B. Sachs D.D.S., we welcome patients of all ages, including young children. Early dental visits:

Establish a positive relationship with dental care from an early age
Allow Dr. Sachs to monitor proper tooth and jaw development
Catch early signs of cavities or alignment issues
Reinforce proper brushing and flossing habits for the whole family

Serving Southern Maryland Since 1991

At Louis B. Sachs D.D.S. in Solomons, Maryland, we have been helping families throughout Calvert County, St. Mary's County, and the surrounding region maintain healthy smiles for over 30 years. We believe that preventive care is the foundation of long-term dental health, and we make it our mission to see every patient as an individual with unique needs.

We are currently accepting new patients from Solomons, Lusby, Prince Frederick, California, Lexington Park, Leonardtown, Hollywood, and all of Southern Maryland. Contact our office or call (410) 326-0010 to schedule your next appointment.