The classic advice — "see your dentist every six months" — works for most patients. But it is a default, not a rule. Your actual schedule should reflect your mouth, your habits, and your risk factors.
Where six months comes from
The six-month recall became standard more from practical convenience than science. Twice-a-year visits fit insurance calendars, school schedules, and how long plaque takes to build into tartar that requires professional cleaning in most patients.
When every three or four months makes sense
Patients managing gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or certain medical conditions — diabetes, immune compromise, pregnancy — often benefit from more frequent visits. Your mouth changes faster, and we want to catch it faster.
Heavy coffee or tobacco users also tend to build stain and tartar quickly. A shorter interval keeps teeth brighter and gums healthier.
How we decide with you
At Cambie Dental we personalize the interval at every recall. If your home care has improved or conditions have stabilized we stretch the timeline. If things are trending the wrong way we tighten it up.
The goal is not frequency for its own sake — it is catching issues early when they are simple to treat.
