Routine dental check-ups

Routine dental check-ups are an opportunity for your dental team to examine your mouth and surrounding area to identify, prevent, delay or eliminate disease on a regular basis to look at changes and deterioration.

Your dentist is looking for:

• Signs of infection.
• Dental decay
• Oral pathology in the form of early signs of cancer or other tumours.
• Gum disease.
• Sinus problems.
• Irregular dental development.
• Joint problems in the jaws.
• Bite problems.
• There are also many general health problems that first show in the mouth or on dental xrays.

These can include:

Anaemia and other blood disorders.
Hormone imbalances.
Some types of heart problem including coronary heart disease, and obstruction of the carotid artery by cholesterol build up. (it can often be seen on dental x-rays)
General infections.
The frequency of dental check-ups depends on the risk factors you have.

Just checking for tooth decay when you have sound teeth and gums may only need a visit every 1-2 years, but the other factors, especially mouth cancer, which is becoming more prevalent, may develop to an untreatable level in that time scale.

Smokers need to have more frequent checks.

If you have had a lot of dental work, it needs more regular maintenance, as you are clearly more at risk of many of the conditions your dentist will check for.

Your dentist will discuss the best check-up frequency for your particular dental state, so that you can make the most cost-effective choice for your care.