What is a Dental Checkup?
A dental checkup, also called a dental examination, is a thorough evaluation of your oral health by
a dentist to identify any potential issues. During the checkup, a dental hygienist will take
photographs of the inside of your mouth and use X-rays to assess the condition of your teeth beyond
what's visible.
It's recommended to get a dental checkup twice a year (every six months is ideal). This time frame
allows for the detection of any potential dental health problems and provides more time to determine
a course of treatment before the issue worsens. Depending on your risk factors and ongoing oral
health conditions, more frequent checkups may be recommended.
Do Children Need Dental Checkups?
Absolutely! Children should also have regular dental checkups every six months, though dentists may
suggest more frequent visits if they are at a higher risk of developing oral health issues. The
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association suggest scheduling a
child's first dental exam once their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, typically
between six months to one year old.