Preventive Dentistry: Helping Prevent Tooth Decay

It depends on your oral health. NHS guidance says your dentist sets the gap between check-ups, which could be as short as 3 months or as long as 2 years, or up to 1 year if you are under 18. The practice's standard recall interval for a healthy adult is 6 months.

Both are preventive treatments the NHS describes. Fluoride varnish is painted onto teeth; the NHS says children should be offered it at least twice a year from age 3. A dentist can also prescribe it to reverse early decay. Fissure sealants, a thin plastic coating on back teeth's chewing surfaces, can be applied once adult back teeth start coming through.

NHS guidance says to see a GP about a mouth ulcer lasting over 3 weeks. It sets no time limit for a red or white patch or lump in your mouth or on your lip: see a GP. These may signal mouth cancer; dentists can also help. Where oral cancer is suspected, the practice makes the urgent two-week referral itself.

Yes. NHS guidance says you are more likely to get tooth decay if you have a dry mouth. Delivering Better Oral Health notes that certain medicines may reduce saliva flow, which raises the risk. If your medicine leaflet lists dry mouth, mention it at your check-up.

A new patient's first appointment is usually available within a few days. The new patient appointment takes 30 minutes. You can complete your medical history online before the visit, and you should bring a list of your medicines. There is free parking directly outside.