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How often do you go for dentist check ups?

80 replies

question133 · 03/01/2024 17:10

I haven't had a check up in about 2 years, this is due me moving/finding a new dentist/life getting in the way. I have a check up scheduled with my new dentist tomorrow.

I am terrified on the dentist and of dental pain in general. I have had bad experiences with my teeth and had reconstructive work (bridges, crowns) due to an accident when I was younger. I am always so nervous of them poking around too hard and damaging/breaking some of this, especially as this will be a new dentist.

I just want to cancel it (I won't) but really dreading it!!

How often do you go for dental check ups?

OP posts:
lemonsqueezyeasy · 03/01/2024 17:49

There's no NHS dentistry anymore round here and check ups are £85 for adults and £65 for children. Hygienist similar cost. Soo £300 ish for our family checkup.

I've often wondered if people are going 6 monthly at these prices (we're not!). I'm not scared of the dentist but I do feel ripped off for a 5 minute poke about....go roughly every 1 or 2 years and if they tell me off, I tell them to make it affordable 🤷‍♀️

TheBitchOfTheVicar · 03/01/2024 17:53

ohtowinthelottery · 03/01/2024 17:43

Every 6 months. I'm one of those rare beasts who still has an NHS dentist so can't risk missing an appointment for fear of being struck off.

Basically this. Though I go to the hygienist twice a year too and at my last dentist visit he's moved it down to once a year for a checkup

stealthsquirrelnutkin · 03/01/2024 19:10

Private dentist, originally check up every 6 months, but after a couple of years she said I didn't need to come so often and now it is once a year. I hate going, and always feel like I've been given a stay of execution when she gives me the all clear for another year.
Do you have an electric toothbrush? Since I started using one I haven't needed to see the dental hygienist either.

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ladyvimes · 03/01/2024 19:12

Normally every 9 months but just saw them and told me I didn’t need to come back for 2 years! Have been very very lucky with my teeth though.

ButterfliesandMoths · 03/01/2024 19:15

Every 6 months for dentist and the hygienist. I hate going and force myself.
I won't miss an appointment as nhs dentists are hard to come by so I feel incredibly lucky to have one.

DuesToTheDirt · 03/01/2024 19:16

I did go every 6 months, but NHS Scotland are now only funding 2-yearly checkups. I haven't had one for well over a year anyway, since my dentist left the practice and they haven't been able to recruit a replacement.

RaininSummer · 03/01/2024 19:18

Used to regularly but only have private dentist now so only go when something hurts as so expensive

edwinbear · 03/01/2024 19:18

DC and I go every 6 months, we’re lucky enough to still have an NHS dentist for all 3 of us, so make sure we see her regularly so we don’t get de-registered. She’s absolutely fantastic. Both DC are getting braces fitted in a couple of weeks, DD has had to have 4 teeth extracted beforehand which had been done over 2 visits, and she was amazing at putting her at ease and making sure she was as comfortable as she could be.

pinkpixie83 · 03/01/2024 19:21

Dentist 6 monthly, hygiene 3 monthly, I have gum issues and even this is only maintaining it not improving it.

Beezknees · 03/01/2024 19:22

Every 6 months. Lucky that I still have an NHS dentist.

Ragwort · 03/01/2024 19:25

Check up every six months and hygienist every three months ... I pay via Denplan, approx £40 a month ... yes expensive but I would prioritise my teeth over holidays, eating out, new clothes etc ... teeth are so important.

catherinewales · 03/01/2024 19:26

If you have an NHS dentist you have to go within 2 years or you get deregistered. Most adults are 6 months and most kids are 3 months. Very few people are 12 months.

Lookingforbiscoff · 03/01/2024 19:26

I last went in spring 2022 and the time before that was around 2017. Planning to go again this year for a check up, clean and to see if I can get a nighttime mouthguard. I know I’m very fortunate to have good teeth though - only had one filling in my entire life when I was about 30 and I think that was related to tooth grinding.

I think in terms of taking care of my teeth I’m more keen to make sure I brush properly 2-3 times a day for 2 minutes each and limit sweets and fizzy juice etc. I plan to start using my electric toothbrush again this year as it cleans better and to use interdental sticks. What you do in between dental visits makes all the difference.

Grimmz · 03/01/2024 19:28

I like going to the dentist! I get to lay down Smile

But I usually go once a year rather than every 6 months. My teeth are in great condition and I never have any issues, so once a year seems sufficient.

Saisong · 03/01/2024 19:35

Every 6-7 months for us, don't want to risk losing our NHS slot. Plus they were brilliant with DD and getting braces sorted. I don't bother with the hygienist, and my dentist has never required it. Occasionally I get an xray (every few years) and a scale and polish (every 12-18 months) all done as part of standard treatment.
I have however paid privately for two crowns because I preferred the white ones - had to save up for those.

Neriah · 03/01/2024 19:36

londonguild · 03/01/2024 17:17

I go every six months and the hygienist also.

This. And I'm no fan of the dentist, but it's this or find another dentist

Kalevala · 03/01/2024 19:38

It's now been two years as we lost our NHS dentist. Before that I went every year to stay on the list.

Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 03/01/2024 20:11

Every 6 months, would never cancel an appointment as they are like rickong horse poo!! Hygienist every 3 months (yes l floss every single day but as l breathe through my mouth a lot l have to go more often)

Doje · 03/01/2024 21:00

DC and I also have an NHS dentist. I would be down for a yearly visit but as the kids' teeth are changing so much as they grow she's asked to see us every 6 months. Not so great for me as I'm terrified but I'll do anything to stay with the NHS.

Before I started going with the DC I had a 10+ year gap. I never quite got around to finding my own dentist after leaving the one I went to as a kid myself.

sanityisamyth · 03/01/2024 21:10

Can't remember the last time. Pre-Covid. I can't get an NHS dentist.

sanityisamyth · 03/01/2024 21:10

I've never seen a hygienist!

AuntieMarys · 03/01/2024 21:17

Twice a year dentist and 4 times a year hygienist

SquigglePigs · 03/01/2024 21:24

Our NHS dentist insists on every 6 months. I'm delighted with that for DD but would be happy with annual for me and DH as long as we didn't have any ongoing issues.

XenoBitch · 03/01/2024 21:27

Not had one for a long time. No NHS dentists where I live.

TheRoundWind · 03/01/2024 21:29

I am on Denplan and I am required to go every 6 months on their scheme due to having 2 teeny tiny fillings where I didn't even need any anaesthetic. The rest of my family are also on Denplan but their reminder is more polite than mine Grin

Every 6 months for check up and hygienist for all of us.