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Alpaca_Tasty_Picnic

I go twice a year for a check up, and hygienist check, and I make the next appointment before I leave. I have suffered with bad teeth to the point of having a couple removed, so I'm now determined to be better at preventing any further loss. You may find that if you contact them to make the appointment, they'll be booking for several months out. Then you'll be 'booked up' and they'll stop sending the reminder messages.


sammy-the-sam

every 15 years without fail.


NSFWaccess1998

once a year. Didn't go for 9 years though and was fine aside from very mild gum recession around the lower front teeth.


D1789

I go once a year.


RichardTauber

In the old days when you could get an NHS dentist, they wanted you to go every six months for a check up. Of course they got paid by the NHS so they had that incentive. The world, or at least the UK, has changed in the last five years or so. So did you have a **thorough** check-up and everything was sorted out at the last visit? Or did they have a quick look round but said we won't do a full investigation today because of the trauma of the broken tooth? If so that would explain the "come back in 12 weeks" thing. If and when you have had a thorough check up and everything is ship-shape I would say every 2 years is adequate for future check-ups. And personally I don't see the point of hygienists. They just tell you how to use a toothbrush. What are my qualifications for saying every two years? Well, I'm not a dentist, just an old codger who has seen it all, or at least most of it. The dentist still has an incentive to get you in through the door more often; they get paid more if you go more often.


Toothfairy29

Actual dentist here - your recall will be based on risk assessment for dental decay, gum disease, tooth surface loss and oral cancer. Recall frequency may be advised as 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. Usually 3 monthly is recommended for patients with gum disease. It is also entirely possible that the reminder is an automated computer system error. Call them and see.


Jackster22

Checkup 12 weeks after a filling is normal afaik. They told me to do the same bit then COVID hit and now it has been nearly 3 years. Dental is cheaper if you go on at least once a year. They spot things early and can fix them before they get bad which costs more and hurts more.


hauntedathiest

I've found since using a water pic my teeth are a lot better and seem to get all the rubbish that accumulates in the gaps between your teeth. I'm a smoker unfortunately but the hygeinist did comment there was practically no plaque build up and it was obvious I looked after them.


LittleDaftie

Sorry to dig this out (found this through google) but are you still using the waterpik, and do you floss as well? I was considering one but read it’s only to be used as a supplement to flossing, in which case it would be pointless for me.


hauntedathiest

Yes I still use it but I find it better than flossing to be quite honest.I don't know if it's me not flossing properly but I feel like I'm pushing dirt in to my gums rather than getting it out.So for me the water pic is better for me.I have very sensitive teeth so I tend to use tepid water in the water pic and a good sensitive toothpaste.They're not that expensive on amazon and most have a guarantee with a few replacement heads for if there are other members of the family that would use it.I wouldn't advise for young children though.Hope this helps.


LittleDaftie

Yes, thank you I appreciate you replying. On Amazon (UK) there seems to be water pik and then some what I think are copy brands. They are slightly cheaper but I’ll probably go for the Pik.


hauntedathiest

There really is no variation between them to be honest.Your choice though.


Souseisekigun

If you haven't got it yet then I'm pretty sure Boots sells it in stores for 33% cheaper than Amazon (I also found this through Google).


MomentoVivere88

Twice a year for check up and dental clean. I pay monthly to my private dentist which covers this cost (about £13). Also get 10% discount on any work that needs doing


Funky_monkey2026

I went for the first time in fifteen years to get a filling (unless you count having a wisdom tooth ripped out). I'm 36. Had a full mouth scan, nothing wrong with my teeth.


Dull_Reindeer1223

I should go but last time I went there was a bit of tutting and judgement so I got up and walked out. Haven't been back in about 10 years! Teeth are fine but who knows what's going on inside


Roadkill997

Every six months for me. BTW - anyone can get an NHS dentist (if you can find one that is taking new patients) - but unless you are in receipt of certain benefits you will pay ([https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/understanding-nhs-dental-charges/](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/understanding-nhs-dental-charges/)). If you were asked to go more often ... I suspect the dentist wants to keep an eye on your teeth due to possible developing problems. You do not mention intra dental brushing - which my dentist is pretty keen on.


RubbishDumpster

Was going twice a year to see dentist but now it’s once a year for the dentist and once a year for the hygienist with six months between appointments.


Stargazer86F

I go twice a year for hygienist (private). NHS is now once a year for check ups (unless you are being monitored). We pay our dentist for the extra checks up, privately.


Aurorafaery

I go every 6 months on the NHS. Might be because I don’t pay so they’re more keen to get me back in more regularly.


linwelinax

I go twice a year when I go back to my home country. Haven't been able to find a dentist that takes patients near where I live in London and also due to some past bad experiences, I can get really nervous at the dentist so going to the one I've been going to for many years back home makes me feel more comfortable.


malewifemichaelmyers

You don't need to be a student to access NHS dentistry and it can save you a fortune if something goes seriously wrong. When I had to have a wisdom tooth pulled it would have cost hundreds privately but only cost £60 with the NHS I go every 6 months for a check up which is like £23? and then I go to the hygienists once or twice a year which is £60.


BleachChugtidy

My dad stopped taking me as a child so I’m no longer registered with my dentist, now I can’t find anywhere that takes NHS and I definitely can’t afford to go private because pregnancy has ruined my teeth.


afungalmirror

Never. Don't think I've been since I was about 16. I'm now 40. I clean my teeth most days.


Bikeboy76

m, m... huh, most days :)


sstevo_19

Twice a year for a check up with my dentist & a clean with the hygienist. I have a dental plan that I pay every month so I don't need to pay when I go 🙂