Dental questions · Check-ups
How Often Should You See the Dentist?
There is no single right answer for everyone. Many people are seen every 6 to 12 months, but the best interval depends on your teeth, gums and general health. Here is how it is worked out, for adults and for children.
- Interval tailored to you
- Babies, kids and adults
- CDBS bulk billing for eligible kids
- Claim on the spot with HICAPS
Due for a check-up?
Book a check-up and clean at our Sandgate clinic and we will recommend the right interval for you.
Call now →Adults
Is every 6 months right for me?
For many adults, a check-up and clean every 6 to 12 months works well. People with healthy teeth and gums and a low risk of decay may be fine at the longer end. Others benefit from more frequent visits.
Your dentist recommends an interval based on your own mouth and health, and reviews it at each visit. The aim is to see you often enough to catch changes early, without booking visits you do not need.
You may need more frequent visits if you
Have gum disease
People with a history of gum disease are often seen every 3 to 4 months.
Get decay often
Frequent new fillings can be a sign that closer monitoring would help.
Have certain health conditions
Diabetes, pregnancy, a dry mouth or some medications can affect teeth and gums.
Smoke or have braces
Both make it harder to keep teeth and gums healthy between visits.
Children
When should a child first see the dentist?
A first visit is recommended when the first tooth appears, or by around 12 months of age. Early visits are short and relaxed, and help your child get used to the dental chair.
After that, most children are seen every 6 to 12 months. Regular visits let us monitor their teeth, bite and jaw as they grow, and catch small problems early. Eligible children can be bulk billed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.
Do not wait for a problem
Decay in baby teeth can progress quickly and often causes no pain at first. Regular check-ups pick it up early.
Milestones to keep in mind
First tooth or 12 months
A first look at the teeth and tips for brushing, feeding and teething.
Preschool years
Regular checks for early decay and habits such as thumb sucking.
Around age 6 to 8
Adult molars arrive, fissure sealants may be suggested and an early orthodontic check can be helpful.
Teenage years
Check-ups continue, plus mouthguards for sport and orthodontic review if needed.
At your appointment
What happens at a dental check-up?
A check-up is a careful look at your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth. It is a chance to spot small changes early, when they are usually simpler to manage.
If anything needs attention, your dentist explains what they found and your options before any treatment, along with a written estimate for anything beyond the check-up and clean.
A typical check-up includes
A chat about any concerns
Sensitivity, pain, changes you have noticed and any updates to your health or medications.
A thorough examination
Teeth, fillings, gums, bite, jaw joints and soft tissues.
X-rays when needed
Taken only when clinically appropriate, often every couple of years for adults.
A scale and clean
Removes plaque and tartar, with tips for your home care.
Meet your dentists
Experienced, highly qualified and genuinely kind
All of our dentists are registered with Ahpra and keep learning well beyond their degrees, so you get thoughtful, up-to-date care.
Dr Andrew Bachour
Principal Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Master’s degrees in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics and in Sleep Medicine. Special interest in TMJ, orofacial pain and airway health.
Dr Michael Au
Dentist
BDSc (Hons, UQ). Known for his gentle touch and clear explanations, with advanced training in restorative dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitation.
Dr Pei San Chan
Dentist
BDS (Adelaide), GradDip Orthodontics (JCU), DipOrtho (UJI). Warm, calm care for patients of all ages, including children and orthodontics.
Book your next check-up and clean
New patients and families are always welcome. Book online or call our Sandgate team on (07) 3269 2064.