How Often Should You See the Dentist?
Knowing when to book a dental appointment is one of those things that seems straightforward, but many people still find themselves unsure. You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered: how often should you see a dentist, or what counts as a dental emergency?
This blog is here to clear up the confusion and give you practical, honest advice on looking after your oral health—whether it’s routine check-ups or knowing how to see a dentist in an emergency.
If you’re local and ever need urgent care, we also recommend saving this link to Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery’s emergency dentist in Leicester, where same-day appointments are available 7 days a week.
Why regular dental check-ups matter
Your teeth and gums don’t always show obvious signs when something’s wrong. That’s why regular dental check-ups are important, even if everything feels fine. Prevention is better (and usually cheaper) than cure.
By visiting your dentist regularly, you can:
- Catch problems like decay and gum disease early
- Keep your teeth cleaner and healthier
- Avoid the need for more complex treatment later
- Get personalised advice based on how your teeth are doing
How often should you see the dentist?
The NHS generally recommends that most adults see their dentist every 12 to 24 months, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums (source).
But it’s not the same for everyone. Your dentist will usually suggest how often to come based on your individual needs.
Here’s a rough guide:
| Patient Type | Recommended Frequency | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Children | Every 6 months | To monitor development and prevent decay |
| Low-risk adults | Every 12–24 months | Minimal dental issues, healthy gums |
| High-risk adults (e.g. smokers, gum disease) | Every 3–6 months | Higher risk of issues like decay or infection |
| Patients with ongoing treatment | As advised by your dentist | Tailored to the treatment plan |
When should an individual see a dentist?
Even if it’s not time for your usual check-up, there are times when you shouldn’t wait to book.
You should see a dentist sooner if:
- You have pain or sensitivity in a tooth
- You notice bleeding when brushing or flossing
- A filling, crown or other dental work comes loose
- Your teeth feel different when you bite down
- You’ve noticed persistent bad breath or an unusual taste
- Your gums are red, swollen or pulling away from the teeth
If any of these apply, don’t wait for your regular check-up—these are signs that you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
And if you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or trauma (like a knocked-out tooth), here’s how to proceed:
How to see a dentist in an emergency
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but help is available—especially if you know where to look.
First, don’t panic. Emergency dentists are trained to help with urgent issues like:
- Sudden or severe tooth pain
- Swelling or abscesses
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Uncontrolled bleeding after dental work
You don’t need to be a registered patient to receive emergency care in most cases.
If you’re in Leicester, Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery’s emergency dentist is available 7 days a week, with same-day appointments.
If you’re elsewhere in the UK and not sure how to get help, the NHS provides guidance on how to see a dentist in an emergency.
How to see a dentist in the UK (if you don’t have one)
If you’re new to the area or haven’t been in a while, finding a dentist may feel like a hassle—but it doesn’t have to be.
You can choose to go NHS or private, depending on what’s available locally and your preference.
To see a dentist in the UK, you can:
- Search online for local practices
- Use the NHS dentist finder to check availability
- Call the practice directly and ask if they are accepting new patients
- For urgent issues, contact 111 for advice if you can’t find help on your own
If you’re in Leicester, you’re welcome to register or book directly with Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery, even if you’ve never been before.
What happens at a routine dental check-up?
People often put off going to the dentist because they don’t know what to expect. In reality, it’s usually a quick and straightforward appointment.
A check-up typically includes:
- A review of your oral health history
- A check of your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw
- X-rays if needed
- Cleaning (scaling and polishing) or referral to the hygienist
- Personalised advice on brushing, flossing, and diet
At the end, your dentist will tell you if anything needs further treatment or when to come back next.
Final thoughts
Looking after your oral health doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re wondering how often you should see a dentist or what to do in an emergency, the key is to stay proactive and seek help when you need it.
If you’re in Leicester, remember that Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery is always ready to help—whether it’s a check-up, urgent treatment, or anything in between.
Your teeth will thank you later.
Frequently asked questions - how often you should see a dentist
How often should you see a dentist if your teeth feel fine?
Even if nothing hurts, you should still see your dentist every 12–24 months. Problems like cavities and gum disease can go unnoticed without pain.
When should an individual see a dentist urgently?
If you have pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Book an appointment right away—ideally with an emergency dentist.
How to see a dentist in the UK without being registered?
You can call a local private dental practice directly or visit NHS 111 online if you need urgent advice. Many practices accept emergency appointments without registration.
How to see a dentist in an emergency at night or on the weekend?
Search for practices offering 7-day or out-of-hours emergency care. In Leicester, Winchester Avenue Dental Surgery is open every day.
What happens if you don’t see a dentist regularly?
Skipping regular check-ups can lead to undetected issues that get worse over time—costing more to fix and possibly leading to tooth loss or infection.