Periodic Oral Care

What happens during a dental check-up ?

At each check-up, your dentist should :

· Examine your teeth, gums and mouth

· Ask about your general health and any problems you've had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit

· Ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits

· Discuss a date for your next visit

How often should I have a dental check-up ?

After your check-up, your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit. The time to your next check-up could be as short as 3 months or as long as 2 years (or up to 1 year if you're under 18).

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up. So people with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 12 to 24 months, but those with more problems will need check-ups more often.