How Often Should You Really See the Dentist?

A Guide for Busy Manhattan Adults

When life moves at a Manhattan pace, routine dental appointments often fall to the bottom of your to-do list. Between work deadlines, social events, and managing family life, many adults delay preventive dental care—sometimes until there’s an urgent issue. But how often should you really see the dentist to protect your smile, health, and wallet?

At JCL Dental, led by cosmetic and restorative dentist Dr. Lattinelli, we understand the unique demands of Manhattan living. Whether you're commuting from Lenox Hill or working in Midtown, here’s what you need to know about keeping your dental health on track.

The General Rule: Twice a Year

For most healthy adults, a dental visit every six months is ideal. These biannual checkups allow your dentist to:

• Catch early signs of decay or gum disease
• Perform professional cleanings to remove tartar and plaque
• Monitor changes in your oral health
• Offer guidance on improving at-home hygiene

Even if you brush and floss daily, there are areas only a professional can thoroughly clean, especially between teeth or below the gumline.

When You Might Need to Go More Often

Certain health factors or habits may require more frequent visits, such as:

• Gum disease (periodontitis)
• Dental implants or veneers that require maintenance
• Invisalign treatment that needs regular adjustments
• Chronic dry mouth or diabetes
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use

If you fall into one of these categories, your care plan may involve appointments every 3–4 months to prevent complications.

What If You Haven’t Been in a While?

First, don’t feel embarrassed. At JCL Dental, we often welcome Upper East Side and Midtown Manhattan professionals who have simply lost track of time. Whether it’s been one year or ten, our team is here to help you get back on track with a judgment-free, personalized care plan.

Why Regular Visits Save You Time and Money

Skipping routine visits often leads to costly, time-consuming issues down the road, such as fillings, crowns, or even tooth extractions. Investing 60 minutes twice a year can prevent procedures that require multiple appointments, anesthesia, and added stress.

Bonus: Regular dental cleanings also contribute to a brighter smile, which is especially valuable for adults in client-facing roles, creative industries, or media.

Convenient Appointments for Manhattan’s Busiest Professionals

We understand your schedule is packed. That’s why we offer:

• Timely appointments that respect your workday
• Same-day visits when available
• Services like Invisalign, veneers, and dental implants under one roof

Ready to Prioritize Your Smile?

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets—don’t wait for a problem to arise before making it a priority. Let us help you maintain it with personalized, professional care from a trusted Manhattan dentist.

Located conveniently on the Upper East Side
Call 212-752-7188 to schedule your appointment
Visit us online to learn more about our services