At MedCentral Dental, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, looking for signs of decay, gum disease, and other changes including early signs of oral cancer. X-rays may be taken if needed.

A professional clean (scale and clean) removes staining, plaque and tartar build-up that regular brushing and flossing cannot. If plaque and tartar are left to continually grow, this can increase your risk of decay, gum recession, bad breath and gum disease.

Regular check-ups and cleans help to:

• Detect decay, gum disease, and oral cancer early, when treatment is simpler and less costly
• Prevent tartar build-up that leads to gum disease
• Protect your overall health, as gum disease has been linked to conditions such as heart disease and diabetes
• Keep your teeth and gums healthy for life

While six-monthly visits are the most common, you may need more frequent visits (every 3 to 4 months) if you have gum disease, are at higher risk of decay, smoke, have diabetes, or are pregnant.

Your dentist will recommend the schedule that is right for you as it depends on your individual risk.

Children should have their first dental visit by 12 to 18 months of age. This early visit helps your dentist provide preventive advice and get your child comfortable with the dental environment.

After that, children should see a dentist at least every 6-12 months. Some children may need more frequent visits (every 3 to 6 months), particularly if they have had decay before, have braces, a high-sugar diet, or need extra help with brushing.

Starting dental visits early is important because almost 1 in 3 five-year-olds experience tooth decay, and children who develop early decay are more likely to have further problems in both baby and adult teeth.

Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste

Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes

Limit sugary foods and drinks

Avoid tobacco use

For children, supervise brushing until they can do it well on their own (usually around age 5 to 7)