Most dental disease is silent at the start

Tooth decay and gum disease rarely announce themselves. A cavity can travel through enamel and reach the dentine with no symptoms at all, and gum disease often shows nothing more than a little bleeding while brushing. By the time pain appears, the simple filling has usually become a root canal.

A six-monthly examination catches these changes while they are still small, cheap and quick to treat.

What actually happens at a check-up

A full examination of teeth, gums, tongue and soft tissues; a digital X-ray (RVG) when needed; ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar; polishing; and personalised advice on brushing and diet.

The whole visit usually takes 30–40 minutes.

Who needs to come more often

Patients with diabetes, smokers, pregnant patients, orthodontic patients wearing braces and anyone with a history of gum disease should be reviewed every three to four months.

The cost argument

A cleaning and check-up is one of the least expensive things we do. A root canal with a crown, or an implant to replace a lost tooth, costs many times more. Prevention is not just healthier — it is cheaper.