Mumsnet Talk

As a family, it was always the dutifil 6 months. Myself and 2dc. Dh was seen to at work. Time has moved on, children grown, fledged, how often do you go to the Dentist?

I think I have pretty good teeth, they give me no trouble, but I am a bit scared of the bill if I'm told work needs to be done. So I have not seen a dentist for 4 years. Hope that does not come accross as smug.

Sorry if this has been done before/recently - I would be unaware.

I go once a year because it is expensive. I should go at least to the hygienist every 6 months, but somehow I don't.

I go once a year for check ups. Not so regular to the hygienist - should go more often.
I have fairly good teeth but as I get older, despite twice daily flossing and brushing of teeth, they are much more sensitive and occasionally need treatment of some kind.

I'm fanatical about looking after them properly because I dont want dentures when I'm older.

We have moved/relocated, since the days of regular check ups, so have no "relationship" with any of the local dentists. I know I should just book an appointment but am wondering about the cost.

once a year otherwise you get struck of the list (nhs )

I am a 'member' of my local practice, which means I get to go every three months. It is supposed to be two dentist and two hygienist visits, but there isn't a hygienist, so I see the dentist each time.

I go every six months on the nhs...pay about £16each time for check up and clean.

OP - what do you mean by 'smug'? Don't' understand your point....

...and btw, I have by teeth cleaned 2x a year, as recommended. And also, if there is a problem, it is easy to deal with before things get too serious/expensive.

I go every 6 months to the hygienist and dentist.

I'm a member of Denplan. We pay £43pm for 3 adults, and that covers 6 monthly check ups, x rays and any treatment.

It has worked out well financially as since DD was born 17mths ago I have had 6 fillings! I've just been today as I broke the bottom of my front tooth and had that repaired a few years ago but managed to break that off recently on a toffee

DP sees an NHS dentist every 6 months and she does the clean and the check up, I think he pays around the £20 mark for that.

Earlybird - I take your point, prevention is better than cure. Smug was the wrong word, I think I may have been a bit arrogant in assuming that because my teeth don't give me any problems, I can get away with not seeing a Dentist all this time (4 years) Thanks for the replies, the plan(s) sound good.

People who rarely need treatment do not need to go every 6 months. This is outdated and it is up to your dentist to decide, based on your own oral health how frequent is necessary. For some, this may mean 3 monthly, or it could be every 2 years.

I was given the choice with my dentist...every 9 months or 6 months,
.
I've luckily had no treatment for about 15 years, but like visiting every 6. Months.

Never. I have been about 4 times in the last 25 years. I would go if I had pain. I realize I'd have to stump up to go private in that case as I have done the few times I have been in the past. But I still think I'm better off financially this way as I haven't had to pay for check ups , hygenist etc for all these years. And I still have a full set of teeth! No obvious black bits! I do brush properly twice a day and don't drink fizzy drinks. I have been lucky with genetics too and have strong teeth.

That's good to hear Dragonwoman.

I go (and have always gone) every six months, and I see both the hygienist and the dentist each time.