Check-ups
When was the last time you had a dental check up? Regular Dental Checks help maintain overall health and wellness.
At Griffith Dental Lounge we believe regular routine check-ups are important – not just for the teeth but also the gums and the mouth as a whole. If there are any changes that need to be treated, such as tooth decay or gum disease, these can often be detected in the early stages, making treatment more straightforward.
Regular visits can also help identify risks so that preventive strategies can be put in place. We recommend a routine dental check-up every 6 to 12 months, but a cookie cutter approach does not necessarily work for everyone. Some patients may need to visit a dentist more or less frequently and one of our dentists will advise how often a check-up is required.
Important things that will be checked include:
- Oral hygiene and diet
- Health of teeth, lips, cheeks and gums and risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Signs of tooth wear
- Growth and alignment of the teeth and jaws and problems with the bite
Children
We recommend that children have their first dental check by their first birthday.
- If it is not possible to get to a dentist, the first dental check may be done by a child health professional with training in oral health
- Low-risk children should visit their dentist at least once a year, while other children may need to visit the dentist every 3 to 6 months until their risk of decay has been stabilised.
- Timing can be important for correction of orthodontic (bite) problems, so regular dental check-ups are important during the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth.
Other important things that may be checked include:
- Infant feeding patterns
- Habits such as dummy sucking or thumb sucking
Adolescents
Adolescence may be a time with greater diet and social risk factors, such as soft drink or alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Teenagers may also have poor tooth brushing habits, with around 45% of teenagers brushing their teeth less than twice a day. Adolescents at low risk of tooth decay should visit their dentist at least once a year, while those at higher risk may need to visit the dentist every 3-6 months until their risk of decay has been stabilised.
Regular dental checks are necessary during the early teenage years to see if braces or other bite correction may be required. Adolescents with braces also need regular check-ups with their general dentist to ensure they stay decay-free.
Other important things that may be checked include:
- Habits such as grinding/clenching the teeth or smoking
- Oral piercings
Adults
Each individual’s risk of tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer needs to be regularly monitored throughout life. Existing dental work also needs to be checked as maintenance and replacement of fillings or other dental work will be necessary over time.
Our dentists will also consider the effects of other risk factors such as smoking, diabetes and medications that can influence oral health. Adults with a very low risk of oral disease may only need to visit a dentist every 1 to 2 years but those at high risk of gum disease or tooth decay may need to visit the dentist every 3 months.
Our dentists will advise how often visits are required.
Other important things that may be checked include:
- Screening for oral cancer
- Need for repair or replacement of fillings or other dental work
- Habits such as grinding/clenching the teeth or smoking.
What To Expect
Booking Your Appointment
Book 1 appointment every 6 months, unless advised otherwise by your dentist.
Before You Arrive
There is no special preparation needed for your appointment.
Length Of Appointment
Hygiene treatments take around 30 minutes.
During Your Appointment
You may be asked about:
- Your dental history
- Your normal oral care routine
- Any problems
After You Leave
Maintain good oral hygiene habits between appointments.
Quick Tip
Your hygienist can show you the best way to care for your teeth at home and advise on aspects of dental hygiene including healthy habits.