Once your child has started seeing a dentist, another question usually follows:
How often should kids go to the dentist?

For many children, dental checkups are scheduled about every six months. But six months is not a one-size-fits-all rule. Your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on your child’s oral health, age, cavity risk and individual needs.

The important thing is to establish regular dental care rather than waiting until your child has a toothache or another obvious problem.

Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important for Children?

Children’s mouths change quickly. Baby teeth erupt, permanent teeth begin replacing them, and brushing habits, diet and cavity risk can change as children grow.

Regular dental visits give the dentist an opportunity to:

• Examine your child’s teeth and gums

• Look for signs of tooth decay

• Monitor how the teeth and bite are developing

• Professionally clean the teeth when appropriate

• Discuss brushing, flossing, diet and fluoride

• Recommend preventive care based on your child’s needs

Does Every Child Need to Go Every Six Months?

Not necessarily.

A six-month schedule is common, but children do not all have the same risk of developing dental problems. Some children may need to be seen more frequently, while the appropriate interval for another child may be different.

Your dentist can recommend a schedule based on what is happening in your child’s mouth rather than relying on the calendar alone.

Why Might a Child Need More Frequent Dental Visits?

A dentist may recommend more frequent visits when a child has a higher risk of tooth decay or another dental concern that should be monitored.

Factors that may influence the recommended schedule can include:

• A history of cavities

• New or active tooth decay

• Difficulty keeping teeth clean

• Certain dental or developmental concerns

• Orthodontic appliances that make cleaning more difficult

• Other individual oral-health risk factors

What Happens at a Child’s Regular Dental Checkup?

The exact visit depends on your child’s age and needs, but regular checkups generally focus on prevention and identifying problems early.

The dentist examines the teeth, gums and mouth and monitors how your child’s smile is developing. A professional cleaning may be performed to remove plaque and buildup that brushing at home may miss.

Depending on your child’s age and cavity risk, the dentist may also discuss fluoride, dental sealants, X-rays or other preventive care when appropriate.

Should My Child See a Dentist If Nothing Hurts?

Yes. Preventive dental care is especially valuable before something starts hurting.

A child can have early tooth decay without experiencing a toothache. Some dental problems may also be difficult for parents to see at home.

Regular examinations give the dentist an opportunity to identify concerns earlier and help your family prevent problems whenever possible.

What If My Child Is Afraid of the Dentist?

Dental anxiety is not unusual, especially when a child is unfamiliar with the dental office or has had a difficult experience in the past.

Regular visits can help make dental care more familiar. At Cedar Hills Dental Care, we emphasize comfortable, patient-centered care and want children to have positive experiences as they develop lifelong dental habits.

How Often Should My Child Have Dental X-Rays?

Dental X-rays should not be based simply on a fixed schedule for every child.

Whether X-rays are needed — and how often — depends on factors such as your child’s age, dental development, cavity risk, previous dental history and what the dentist finds during the examination.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near Beaverton?

If your child is due for a dental checkup and you live in Beaverton, Cedar Hills or the surrounding Portland area, Cedar Hills Dental Care provides family dental care for children and adults.

Christine Chin, DMD earned her D.M.D. from OHSU in 1989 and has more than 35 years of dental experience. Cedar Hills Dental Care has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986, with an emphasis on comfortable, compassionate and patient-centered care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a 5-year-old go to the dentist?

Many children have dental visits about every six months, but the appropriate schedule should be based on the child’s individual oral health and cavity risk.

How often should teenagers go to the dentist?

Teenagers also need regular dental care. The appropriate interval depends on their oral health, cavity risk, home-care habits and any dental or orthodontic concerns.

Should I take my child to the dentist between regular checkups if something is wrong?

Yes. Don’t wait for the next routine visit if your child develops tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth or another dental concern. Call your dentist and explain what is happening.

Recommended Reading for Parents

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist? →

Learn when your child’s first dental visit should happen and what parents can expect.

Does My Child Have a Cavity? Signs Parents Should Watch For →

Learn common signs of tooth decay and when a child’s tooth should be examined.

Children’s Dentistry at Cedar Hills Dental Care →

Learn more about dental care for children and building healthy dental habits as they grow.

Dental Exams & Professional Cleanings →

Learn what regular dental examinations and professional cleanings can do for your family’s oral health.