How often should you see a dental hygienist?

"How often should I actually come?" is one of the questions we hear most often at the practice. The textbook answer — "every six months" — is right for a lot of patients, but certainly not for all of them.

The default: twice a year

For an adult with healthy gums, no orthodontics and no elevated risk of decay, a six-month interval is a sensible standard. In half a year, enough plaque and hardened tartar accumulate for professional removal to make a real difference, whilst not enough time has passed for permanent damage to appear.

When to come more often — every three to four months

• treated periodontitis (post-treatment recall),
• diabetes, smoking,
• fixed orthodontic appliances or clear aligners,
• implants and extensive prosthetics (crowns, bridges),
• a personal tendency to form tartar quickly,
• pregnancy (hormonal increase in gum sensitivity),
• orthodontic treatment in children and teenagers.

A shorter recall interval clearly makes sense in these cases — waiting six months means risking rapid inflammation in the most vulnerable spots.

When once a year is enough

Rarely, but it does happen: a patient with excellent home care, no risk factors, calm gums and no tendency to form tartar. Even then a yearly professional check-up is worthwhile — it is often not about the amount of tartar but about catching something early that the patient cannot see themselves.

When a 25-minute recall is right

For long-term patients with consistently clean and calm gums we offer a short recall visit (25 minutes, 1 490 CZK, AIRFLOW® included). It is not a "rushed" appointment — it is a full AIRFLOW® cleaning and check-up for patients who simply do not need the same time as a first visit.

How to set this up in practice

You do not need to manage the interval yourself. After every appointment, your hygienist will suggest when to come back and we will remind you by email and SMS before the date. The aim is simply that you do not have to think about it.