What is a dental check-up?

A dental check-up involves a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, lips, tongue, mouth and saliva. Along with brushing and flossing your teeth, a dental check-up forms an important part of your dental hygiene routine.

During a dental check-up, your dental practitioner will show you how to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, to help keep your mouth healthy.

Dental check-ups usually happen in a dental clinic and are carried out by a dental practitioner, such as:

• a dentist
• a dental hygienist
• an oral health therapist
• a dental therapist

Who needs a dental check-up?

It's important to have regular professional dental check-ups, starting from 12 months of age or when a baby's first teeth appear. Ongoing dental check-ups are important and support good oral health, even if your teeth look and feel healthy, and you are not experiencing any problems.

Aim to get a check-up every 6 to 12 months. Your dental practitioner can tell you how often you need a check-up in your situation, based on the health of your teeth and gums.

[H2] How much does a dental check-up cost?

Costs for a dental check-up will vary. You can get a dental check-up at a private or public clinic. There may be long waiting lists to see a public dentist.

Most dental check-ups are done in private clinics and are not covered by Medicare. Private health insurance can help you pay some general and specialist dental costs. Check with your insurer before your check-up, so you know what costs are covered. Private health insurance can also help cover some costs for dental procedures and hospital stays.

Read more about the costs of dental care.

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) helps eligible children up to 17 years of age get basic dental services, at low or no cost. You don't need to apply or register for CDBS. Services Australia will send you a letter to let you know if your child is eligible. If you're unsure, check your Medicare online account through your MyGov account or call Medicare on 132 011.

Find out if your child is eligible for the CDBS.

What are the benefits of a dental check-up?

Regular check-ups by a dental practitioner can help you to keep your teeth, gums and whole mouth healthy and functioning well. Oral health is important for overall health and wellbeing.

A dental practitioner can:

• screen for oral cancer
• check if you need repair or replacement fillings or other dental work
• spot habits that can affect your teeth and mouth such as grinding your teeth or smoking
• identify and address teeth and mouth issues early, before they become painful, difficult to treat and costly.

You should see your dentist if:

• you have pain or bleeding in your mouth
• your face becomes swollen
• you have any damage to your teeth
• you're concerned about your oral health, or something in your mouth doesn't feel right

What's involved with a dental check-up?

A dental check-up may include:

• assessment — your practitioner may ask you for a dental and medical history, such as previous dental work, your medicines and allergies
• examination — your practitioner will look inside your mouth for any signs of tooth decay or bleeding gums
• x-rays — to check for disease, infections in your mouth, teeth that haven't come through your gums properly or damage to your jaw bone
• preventative care such as fluoride and polishing
• advice on how to brush and floss your teeth and maintain healthy teeth and gums — your practitioner may also share advice on oral hygiene habits and diet

How can I prepare myself for a dental check-up?

Some people feel nervous about dental check-ups or treatment. Dental anxiety can cause delays or make you avoid check-ups and important treatments.

If you're feeling nervous about your dental check-up, let your dental practitioner or their staff know. They can take extra care to minimise any pain or discomfort, and help to make your experience as easy as possible. They may also recommend medicines to help cope with dental anxiety.

Are there alternatives to a dental check-up?

No. Regular dental check-ups and following your dental practitioner's advice are the best way to keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

What happens if you don't get dental check-ups?

If you don't go for regular dental check-ups, you may be increasing your chance of developing dental diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Neglecting your oral health is also associated with health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Other major health concerns, such as oral cancer, may also go undetected.

Resources and support

• The Australian Dental Association has helpful information about your toddler's first visit to the dentist, and how to prepare for it.
• Find out more about dental health for your age group at the Australian Dental Association.
• Read more on dental care for babies and children.

You can also find state specific information regarding procedures, locations and costs here:

• Australian Capital Territory — Canberra Health Services.
• New South Wales — NSW Health.
• Northern Territory — Department of Health.
• Queensland — Queensland Health.
• South Australia — SA Dental.
• Tasmania — Tasmanian Dental Health Services.
• Victoria — Department of Health.
• Western Australia — Dental Health Services.
• Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Languages other than English

Dental Health Services Victoria has translated oral health information.

NSW Health provides dental advice for multicultural communities and translated resources.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Australian Dental Association website has tips for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people on visiting the dentist.