Many people are afraid or experience anxiety about going to the dentist, and because of this, some patients will try to go as infrequently as possible. The answer to how often you should see your dentist actually varies, depending on the state of your mouth.

If your teeth and gums are very healthy, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for dental exams and cleaning. If you have a history of gum disease or other problems, you may need to visit your dental hygienist more often, often anywhere from 3 or 4 up to 6 times a year. Periodontal patients often see their dentist or periodontist every 3 months for hygiene visits, as many studies have shown that more harmful periodontal bacteria repopulate in the mouth in only 11 weeks time.

Frequent dental visits (particularly those for dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits) are in your best interest to prevent breakdown of the health of teeth and gums.