Why do I need a dental check-up?

Why do I need a dental check-up?

A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it's best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

What happens during a dental check-up?

At each check-up, we check the following

• Examine your teeth
• Examine your gums
• Look for signs of gum disease
• Check your jaw (TMJ)
• Look for signs or oral cancer
• Check for loose teeth
• Look at the tissues inside of your mouth
• Examine your tongue
• Check your bite
• Look for visual evidence of tooth decay
• Check for broken teeth
• Check for damaged fillings
• Look for changes in the gums covering teeth
• Evaluate any dental appliance you have
• Check the contact between your teeth
• Take X-rays if require
• Ask about your general health and any problems you’ve had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit.
• Ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits.
• Discuss a date for your next visit.

How often should I have a dental check-up?

After your check-up, we will recommend a date for your next visit. The time to your next check-up could be as short as three months or as long as 12 months

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up. Patients with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 12 months, but those with more problems will need check-ups more often.

If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact your dental surgery to make an earlier appointment. In an emergency outside normal working hours, contact your surgery on its usual number and you will be told how to access emergency dental care

Remember by visiting us on a regular basis and following daily good oral hygiene practices at home, you are more likely to keep your teeth and gums healthy.