How often should I have a dental check-up?

For preventive care we recommend a check-up every 6 months for adults and every 3 to 6 months for children. Children need the shorter interval because the enamel of baby teeth is thin, so cavities progress quickly. If you smoke, have been treated for gum disease, or have diabetes, the preventive interval is the same 6 months — we simply examine your gums and the supporting bone more closely at each visit. From age 19 the National Health Insurance covers one scaling per year, so it is convenient to have it at one of your two annual check-ups. Screening of the oral mucosa for early signs of oral cancer is also done at these check-ups. However, follow-up visits to check for recurrence or confirm healing after treatment are scheduled separately from this routine interval and may be much sooner, and if you have symptoms such as pain, swelling, or bleeding gums, you should come in regardless of the interval.