Visiting your dentist every six months will also help prevent serious dental issues such as cavities or periodontal disease. Dental checkups and oral cancer screenings can catch things you may have missed during your at-home care routine. Parents should make appointments for their children to first see the dentist after their first tooth grows in to establish good at-home dental care and children should also see the dentist every six months. Checkups and cleanings cannot be substituted with at-home care, but together, the two will help ensure that your smile will stay healthy and will last a lifetime!