The short answer
There is no single rule. The dentist sets the gap from your own teeth and gums: guidance from NICE in the UK puts it between three months and two years for adults, and up to a year for children. People with decay, gum disease, diabetes, or who smoke usually need to come more often. Do not wait for your check-up if you have pain, bleeding gums or a swelling.
Book a dental check-upMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Why the gap differs
A check-up finds decay and gum disease early, when treatment is simpler and cheaper. Someone with healthy teeth and gums and a low-sugar diet may need fewer visits than someone who has had several fillings, has gum disease or a dry mouth.
Signs not to wait
Book sooner than your check-up for any of these.
- Toothache, or sensitivity that lingers
- Gums that bleed when you brush
- A swelling or boil on the gum
- A broken tooth or lost filling
- A mouth ulcer that has not healed in three weeks
Between visits
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, spit rather than rinse, clean between your teeth, and keep sugary food and drink to mealtimes.
Common questions
Is every six months necessary?
Not for everyone. Six months suits many people, but the right gap is the one your dentist sets for your mouth.
Do I need a scale and polish at every visit?
Only if there is tartar to remove. The dentist tells you.
When should children start?
When the first teeth come through, and by the first birthday.
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Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Dental checks: intervals between oral health reviews (CG19). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
- How to keep your teeth clean. NHS. Patient information.
Links last checked 4 November 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.