Healthy mouth

Regular check-ups allow us to keep an eye on your oral health and spot any problems early. During your appointment, we will examine and assess your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of:

• Decay
• Infection
• Oral cancer
• A misaligned bite

We will ask if you’ve had any problems since your last visit so you can raise any concerns you might have. To help you keep your teeth in tip-top condition at home, we will advise the best cleaning techniques and share tips on diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption.

If we find anything that requires treatment, we will build a treatment plan that includes the best course of action and expected costs.

You may not need to see us every six months and your dentist will let you know when you need to come back for your next check-up. If you have any problems between check-ups, please phone us to arrange an earlier appointment.

A guide to good home dental care

• You should brush at least twice a day, especially before bed. Brush for at least two minutes to make sure you do a thorough job. It can help if you divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds on each area.
• Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this can strengthen enamel, and don’t rinse your mouth straight away so the fluoride has a chance to work. If you have tooth sensitivity, you can use a toothpaste that is specially designed to treat this.
• Place your toothbrush at a 45° angle along the gum line and use short, gentle strokes. Brush the inside surface of each tooth, the chewing surface and behind the teeth. Remember to pay particular attention to the gum line, and the areas around fillings and crowns. Don’t forget to give your tongue a brush to get rid of bacteria.
• Don’t forget to clean between your teeth with floss, tape or interdental sticks. Mouthwash and tongue scrapers can be added to your routine to ensure an extra fresh, plaque-free mouth.
• If a toothbrush isn’t available, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum.