How often should you have a dental check-up?
How often you should have a dental check-up depends on your own oral health, not a single rule for everyone. Healthdirect advises aiming for a check-up every six to twelve months, and notes that your dental practitioner can tell you how often you need one based on the health of your teeth and gums (healthdirect).
The Australian Dental Association’s oral health messages likewise say to have regular dental check-ups and to talk to your dental practitioner about how often, because the interval is different for everyone (teeth.org.au). ADA consumer guidance also notes that even when you have no mouth problems, it is important to see your dentist six-monthly or yearly (teeth.org.au).
At AMK Dental Clinic in Mortlake, your dentist reviews your gums, history of decay, general health and habits such as smoking, then suggests a recall interval that fits your risk. Some people return around every six months; others are fine closer to yearly. People with ongoing gum disease, frequent decay or certain medical conditions may be asked to come more often.
What is a dental check-up?
A dental check-up is a routine examination of your teeth, gums and mouth that helps find problems such as decay and gum disease early, when they are usually less involved to treat. Healthdirect describes it as a thorough look at your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, mouth and saliva, and an important part of looking after your oral health alongside brushing and flossing (healthdirect).
Check-ups matter even when your teeth look and feel fine. Many early dental problems cause few symptoms, so a planned visit is how they are often found. At AMK Dental Clinic, a check-up is also a chance to raise concerns such as sensitivity, bleeding gums or a change in how your bite feels.
What happens during a check-up and clean?
A check-up and clean at AMK Dental Clinic usually follows these steps:
- We update your medical history and ask about any concerns.
- Your dentist examines your teeth, gums and soft tissues.
- X-rays are taken if they are needed to check between teeth or below the gum line.
- Your teeth are scaled and cleaned to remove plaque and calculus that home brushing cannot remove.
- Your dentist explains what they found, and discusses any treatment options, risks and costs.
Healthdirect notes that a check-up may include assessment, examination, X-rays where needed, preventive care such as polishing, and advice on brushing, flossing and diet (healthdirect). Professional cleaning removes calculus that cannot be cleared at home (healthdirect).
If treatment is recommended, you receive an itemised written estimate before anything goes ahead. You can read more on our check-ups and cleans page.
Why do regular check-ups matter?
Regular check-ups matter because tooth decay and gum disease often develop slowly, and early care is usually less involved than waiting until something hurts. Healthdirect explains that check-ups every six to twelve months can help prevent problems before they become painful, costly or difficult to treat, and that a practitioner can spot habits such as grinding or smoking that affect the mouth (healthdirect).
A check-up can help with:
- Finding decay early, when a small filling may be enough.
- Checking gum health, because bleeding or swollen gums can be an early sign of gum disease.
- Screening the soft tissues of your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks and palate.
- Removing hardened plaque (calculus) when combined with a scale and clean.
- Reviewing existing work, such as fillings and crowns, to check they are still sound.
This page is general information only. It is not a personal diagnosis or treatment plan. Your dentist will discuss what is suitable for you.
How can you look after your teeth between visits?
Good daily habits support the work done at a check-up. Healthdirect recommends brushing twice a day for about two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, drinking plain water, limiting sugary snacks between meals, and seeing your dental practitioner every six to twelve months or as often as they recommend (healthdirect).
Practical steps between visits include:
- Brush twice a day for about two minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
- Limit sugary food and drinks, especially between meals.
- Drink tap water, which in most of Sydney contains fluoride.
- Avoid smoking and vaping, and contact us if you notice bleeding gums, lasting sensitivity or a change in your mouth.
Families looking after younger patients can also see our children’s dentistry page. Healthdirect and the ADA both note that children’s check-ups should begin early — around when the first teeth appear or by about twelve months of age (healthdirect; teeth.org.au).
Booking a check-up in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic is at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137. We serve patients from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita, Concord, Rhodes and North Strathfield.
You can book online or call (02) 9739 6525. See our opening hours on the Contact page. For extras cover and claiming, read fees and health funds. When you are ready, book a check-up online or call us — at a time that suits you.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
How often should I have a dental check-up?
How often you need a dental check-up depends on your oral health. Healthdirect advises aiming for every six to twelve months, and your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your gums, history of decay, general health and habits. At AMK Dental Clinic, your dentist recommends a recall time that suits your situation after examining your mouth.
What happens at a dental check-up?
A dental check-up usually includes questions about your health and any concerns, an examination of your teeth, gums, tongue and soft tissues, and X-rays if they are needed. It is often combined with a scale and clean to remove hardened plaque. Your dentist then explains what they found and discusses any treatment options, risks and costs with you.
Can I claim a check-up on my health fund?
If you have extras cover that includes general dental, you may be able to claim part of the cost of a check-up and clean. How much you get back depends on your policy, annual limits and waiting periods. AMK Dental Clinic offers on-the-spot claiming with HICAPS, so you pay only the gap, if there is one, on the day.