How Often Should You See an Alexandria Dentist for a Checkup?

At Old Town Smiles, we believe that great oral health is the foundation of overall wellness. And yet one of the most common questions we hear from patients—especially busy professionals and health-conscious adults—is: “How often should I actually go to the dentist?”

Whether you’re committed to prevention or managing more complex needs, keeping up with routine checkups is one of the smartest steps you can take for your smile. If you’re in Alexandria, VA, and wondering what the right schedule looks like, here’s what you need to know—direct from our team of award-winning dental experts.

What’s the General Rule for Dental Visits?

The standard recommendation is to schedule a dental checkup every six months. That biannual rhythm is ideal for most patients and allows us to:

• Thoroughly remove tartar and plaque buildup during your cleaning
  
  
• Catch early signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer
  
  
• Monitor any dental work (like fillings or crowns) for wear or damage
  
  
• Review your lifestyle, diet, and at-home habits
  
  

At Old Town Smiles, we take this visit one step further by including wellness-focused conversations, oral cancer screenings using both tactile and light-based methods, high-resolutaion intraoral photography, and more. For us, it’s not just about “checking your teeth”—it’s about giving you actionable insight into your health.

When Might You Need to Come in More Often?

While twice a year works well for many people, there are a few exceptions where more frequent visits are recommended:

History of gum disease

If you’ve had periodontal disease in the past, we’ll likely recommend visits every 3–4 months. This helps reduce your risk of recurrence and keeps your gum tissue as healthy as possible.

Chronic medical conditions

If you have diabetes, autoimmune disorders, acid reflux, cancer, or other systemic issues, your oral health may require closer, more frequent monitoring.

High-stress lifestyles or grinding habits

If you clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), we may suggest more regular check-ins to prevent damage to your teeth or TMJ.

Active treatment or complex dental work

Invisalign, implants, full-mouth reconstruction, or TMJ therapy often require more touchpoints. These visits allow us to fine-tune your treatment and ensure long-term success.

Pregnancy or hormonal shifts

Hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive or prone to inflammation. More frequent hygiene visits may help keep everything on track.

We tailor your visit schedule based on your health history, goals, and lifestyle. Think of it as proactive—not reactive—care.

Why Consistent Checkups Matter More Than You Think

Even if your teeth feel fine, hidden problems can develop silently. When we actually “feel” problems within our teeth, often we have waited too long. Routine dental exams help us catch:

1. Small issues before they become big ones

We often find cavities or cracks long before they cause pain. Early treatment helps you avoid more invasive (and costly) procedures.

2. Warning signs of oral cancer

We use advanced screening techniques—including the Velscope system—to detect abnormalities early when they’re most treatable.

3. Systemic connections

Your mouth is a window into your overall health. Studies continue to show links between oral inflammation and heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and more. When we examine your mouth, we’re also looking out for your whole-body health.

What Makes a Dental Checkup at Old Town Smiles Different?

Not all checkups are created equal. At our Alexandria dental office, we’ve designed every part of your visit to be elevated, informative, and completely personalized. When you come in for a checkup, you can expect:

• A comprehensive oral exam (not just a “quick look”)
  
  
• Full-mouth X-rays (FMX) and high-resolution intraoral photos
  
  
• Oral cancer screening using both manual and Velscope light technology
  
  
• Periodontal charting and gum health analysis
  
  
• Airway and acid reflux screening
  
  
• A wellness-forward approach that connects the dots between your mouth and your lifestyle
  
  
• Our beloved therapy dog
  
  

We also offer a $299 New Patient Experience, which includes everything above—plus a Zoom whitening pen and special welcome gift.

Ready to Book Your Next Dental Checkup in Alexandria?

Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re here to help you get back on track—without judgment, pressure, or cookie-cutter care.

Our dentists, Dr. Seema Ahmed and Dr. Mohammad Barra, bring national-level expertise and a deep understanding of how oral health impacts every part of your life. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of problems or start fresh with a smile you love, we’ve got you covered.