You water the garden three times a week, you change your car's oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.

When you visit your dentist's office, your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning than your daily brushing can provide. Regular visits help your dentist detect and/or prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you'll need to see your dentist more often. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, smoking and other tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), and how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.

Make sure your teeth get the (professional) attention they deserve – check with your dentist's staff at your next appointment to find out how often they need to check and clean your teeth!