Check-ups and cleaning

What it is

An oral health review, usually called a check-up, is a careful look at your teeth, gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, together with a conversation about your general health, any medicines you take and anything you have noticed since your last visit.

Why people ask about it

Some people come because it has been a while. Others have noticed something that feels different, or simply want to keep small problems small. A check-up is also a sensible place to start if you aren't sure what kind of care you need.

What assessment may involve

A dentist typically looks at each tooth and at any existing fillings or crowns, checks the gums for bleeding, and examines the tongue, cheeks, palate and floor of the mouth. X-rays are not automatic: they are taken when the dentist judges that they will show something useful, such as decay between teeth or the condition of bone and roots.

Common approaches and alternatives

Afterwards the dentist explains what they found and what, if anything, needs attention. Depending on clinical need, that might be a professional clean to remove hardened deposits (tartar), advice on brushing and cleaning between the teeth, or a separate appointment for treatment. A professional clean is not automatically part of every examination.

The dentist should also suggest when to come back. UK guidance from NICE says this interval should be set for each person according to their oral health and risk: from three months for someone who needs closer monitoring, up to two years for an adult whose mouth has stayed healthy, and no longer than one year for children. Six months is not a universal rule.

Questions to ask a clinician

• What did you find, and does anything need attention now?
• Do I need X-rays today? What would they show?
• Would a professional clean help me, and is it part of this visit?
• When should I come back, and why that interval?
• What one change at home would make the most difference?