At least every 2 years for adults, every 1 year for under-18s, and more often if your risk says so.
NHS guidance says to see a dentist if you have not had a check-up for 2 years, or 1 year if you are under 18, and that is the floor, not the target. Your dentist sets your recall interval from your actual risk: decay history, gum health, smoking, dry mouth, and diabetes all shorten it. The visit covers more than cavities: early decay, gum disease, mouth cancer screening, and grinding damage, plus professional cleaning of tartar you cannot remove at home.
What to do
Common questions
How often should I really go to the dentist?
The NHS floor is a check-up at least every 2 years for adults and every 1 year for children and under-18s, but your personal interval should be set by your dentist based on your risk. People with active decay, gum disease, a dry mouth, diabetes, or a smoking habit are often put on 3 to 6 month recalls, while someone with years of healthy check-ups, good cleaning, and low sugar intake can safely ride the longer end. The point of the visit is not just looking for holes: the dentist checks for early decay, gum disease, mouth cancer, and wear from grinding, and the hygienist clears the tartar your toothbrush cannot touch, which NHS guidance lists as core gum-disease prevention. Skipping years is the expensive option: problems found early are small fillings and cleanings, while problems found late are root canals and extractions. If cost or anxiety is what keeps you away, say so when booking, since NHS dental treatment is free for some groups, including children and pregnant women, and many practices are experienced with nervous patients.