How Often Should You See The Dentist?

It’s a question our dentists are often asked here at our dental practice near Ripon, but how often, exactly, should you be attending those all-important dental check-ups? Well, as ever, our dentists are here to help – and in today’s blog, we’ll get to the bottom of how often you should see the dentist (as well as some other general queries about check-ups).

1. New patients at the practice

While we have some fantastic regular patients and loyal families coming to our dental practice (based near Ripon), we’re always happy to welcome new patients when we have slots available. New patients always need a dental check-up, as we’ll want to make sure your mouth, teeth, and gums are healthy and can then work out whether you need any treatments from us, as well as advise you on general timescales for your check-up.

2. Children and young people

Though timescales do depend on health and lifestyle factors, we generally advise children to have at least 2 check-ups every year. If there are signs of decay or concerns, we may ask you to book more regularly than this.

3. Adults and the elderly

Some adults may only need a yearly appointment; others, especially older people who may have missing teeth or dental concerns, might need a check-up every few months. It’s a safe bet to book a check-up every 6 months or so, but again, your dentist can advise you on this.

4. Specialist works

Things like gum disease treatment, crowns, emergency care and other procedures aren’t covered in your check-up. The dental check-up’s purpose is to keep an eye on your smile, spot any concerns early and clean your teeth professionally. You may also have things like X-rays, and small children can sometimes have fluoride varnishes applied to their smile to strengthen their young teeth.

5. Your check-up in detail

Whether it’s been a while since your last visit to our practice near Ripon, or you’re booking your very first dental check-up, knowing what to expect can help you feel in control on the day and ease any potential dental anxiety. Your dentist in Ripon is trained to be gentle but thorough when cleaning your smile and they can also talk to you about the best products for your teeth (for example, toothpaste and toothbrushes). If you’re struggling to keep on top of your dental health or have lifestyle factors (e.g. smoking) that may be affecting your teeth, we can advise on this too.

Book today near Ripon

We’re ready to welcome you to our friendly dental practice in Ripon. To book a check-up with our dentists, speak to us today.