Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How often should I visit the dentist for a routine check up?

    Related Topic
    Oral Health
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • 2

    Thanks

    Dr Arnold Baume

    Dentist

    You should visit the dentist every 6 month . Remember tooth decay does not hurt . You can not tell whether you have tooth decay  or not . Only your dentist can determine this .
      Every dental health fund allows and pays for two visits to the dentist per year and this includes scale and clean and fluoride treatments . These visits may prove to save you time ,discomfort and money…..and fillings in the long run  :)

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 2

    Thanks

    Dr Keith Hengpoonthana

    Dentist

    Principal dentist of Newington Dental Care. Previous teaching staff for the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney. Special interest in dental anxiety management and orthodontics. … View Profile

    6 monthly is a common recommendation. However, your dentist may want to see you sooner for instance if you have been diagnosed with active periodontal (gum) disease, 3 monthly until the condition stabilises could be a possibility. If you are considered by your dentist to be of high risk for tooth decay and infection, coming in before 6 months would be beneficial.

    Yes, unfortunately most health funds only pay for 2 checkups and clean per year. But as Dr. Baume mentioned preventive treatment will certainly save you more in long run.

     

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Agree

    1

    Thanks

    Dr Roland Chong

    Dentist

    Routine dental visits are often scheduled according to your needs. Your dentist will be the best person to advise you on this. 

    As already mentioned by my other colleagues on this site,  the typical frequency is 6 monthly. However in some instances it may be 3 monthly or 12 monthly. It all depends on your oral health status as determined by your dentist.

    Regular visits will help resolve any disease early and avoid costly treatments and management.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Michael Leong

    Dentist

    Welcome to Just Dental Care. “We do CARE”. We provide quality care and affordable dentistry to you and your family. We provide a comprehensive range … View Profile

    . How often should I visit the dentist for a routine check up?At Just Dental Care we suggest a routine check up every 6 months. In fact if you have health cover with dental extras, the health cover usually allows for 6 month check ups with maximum rebates back to you.In some cases, 12 month or 3 month check ups may be required depending on your oral conditions.
    In some cases if you have had a severe build up of tartar and have periodontal disease or gingivitis, and you have not seen the dentist regularly we may suggest an initial 3 month recall to see how your oral hygiene practice is improving and to see if your gingival health has improved. If there is improvement then we can then follow up with a 6 month routine check up. 

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr May Kwa

    Dentist

    Qualification : BDSc, Bachelor of Dental Science, University of Western Australia 1994 View Profile

    The recommended routine check up visit at your dentist is 6 monthly.
    BiteWing or Periapical radiographs may also be recommended during your check up visit.
    This done routinely will enable your dentist to notice any changes in your oral health and provide you the correct treatment . Early detection of abnormalities such as oral pathology and cancers of the mouth are also screened during this visit.
    There are many areas of your mouth that may not give you pain but requires attention, such as lost fillings, fractured fillings, chronic gum disease, build up of plaque and calculus.

     

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Thanks

    Dr Kevin Jaffar

    Dentist

    Jaffar Dental - Trusted and Established since 1997. We are a family owned General Dental Practice offering a friendly and caring environment in Waterford QLD. … View Profile

    6 Monthly

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report

  • 1

    Agree

    2

    Thanks

    Dr Jeremy Rourke

    Dentist

    The frequency of dental examinations is something for you and your dentist to work out. Many patients who care for their teeth only need examination and cleaning once per year. The most common period is once every six months. Some patients who have rampant decay, progressive periodontal disease or who have teeth damaged by bulemia should have teeth checked and cleaned evey three months.

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices