Dental resources · Preventive dentistry
How often should you see the dentist?
A plain-language guide for families who want steady preventive care, fewer surprises, and a clear next step when something feels off.
Reviewed by Dr. Anthony J. D’Addio, DMD.
Practicing at Dunning Family Dental since 2000. Member of the American Dental Association and the 4th District Dental Society.
5 min read · Updated 2026
The short answer.
Most adults benefit from a cleaning and check-up every six months. Children follow the same rhythm once their first teeth come in. People with active gum disease, complex restorations, or certain medical conditions often need more frequent visits, sometimes every three or four months.
If you’re not sure where you fall, call the office at 518-842-3220 and tell the front desk what’s going on. We’ll match you with the right cadence and visit type.
When to call sooner
Signs that should not wait for the next cleaning.
If any of these is true, call the office instead of waiting for your scheduled visit.
Pain or swelling
Persistent pain, sensitivity that lingers, or any visible swelling around a tooth or in the jaw.
Broken tooth or filling
A crack, chip, or lost filling, especially if you have any pain. Call and we’ll triage timing.
Bleeding gums
Bleeding when you brush or floss isn’t normal. It usually points to early gum disease, which is easier to treat early.
New sensitivity
Sudden cold or sweet sensitivity in a tooth that didn’t bother you before is worth a same-week conversation.
What a typical preventive visit looks like.
The first appointment is mostly listening. The doctor and the hygienist want to understand your history, your concerns, and what you want from care. After that, a routine cleaning visit usually runs about 45 to 60 minutes:
- A short check-in with the hygienist about anything new since your last visit.
- A periodontal check, measuring gum health and looking for early changes.
- Cleaning and polish, with x-rays only when there’s a clinical reason.
- A brief exam with Dr. D’Addio to look for anything that needs follow-up.
- A plain-language summary of what was found and what (if anything) to do next.
Common questions
Practical answers, plainly written.
Can I wait until my next cleaning if something hurts?
Usually no. Pain is your mouth telling you something has changed. Call the office and the front desk will triage, often there’s a way to see you sooner.
What should I bring to my first visit?
An ID, your insurance details, and a list of any medications you take. The new-patients page has the full prep list and what to expect from the visit itself.
Will you submit my insurance for me?
Yes, as a courtesy. We don’t participate in any insurance plans, so we submit claims on your behalf and you’re responsible for the difference. We do not accept Medicaid or Fidelis.
Do you accept CareCredit?
Yes. CareCredit is accepted as a payment option for treatment plans that benefit from spreading the cost over time.
Ready to talk with the office?
Call-first scheduling keeps the next step simple and gives the front desk the context they need to find the right visit.
A legacy of family dentistry you can trust.