How often should you visit the dentist?

When did you last visit a dentist? If you're not sure, you're not alone. Most people put off dental visits until something goes wrong but that's often when treatment becomes more complex and more expensive. 

This guide walks you through how often you should really be seeing a dentist, how that changes based on your age and health, what's covered under Medicare and private health insurance in Australia, and the warning signs that mean you shouldn't wait. Plus, find out how Aminya Street Dental in Mansfield, Brisbane makes it simple for families to stay on top of their oral health. 

For most healthy adults and children in Australia, a dental check up twice a year is the standard recommendation. (source : Australian Dental Association ) 

At a routine dental check up your dentist will : 

• Examine your teeth and gums for any early signs of decay or disease. 

• Remove plaque and tartar build up.

• Check for signs of oral cancer.

• Advise you on your brushing and flossing technique.

Preventive dental care like this keeps small issues from turning into big ones and is a lot more affordable than treating a root canal or extraction. 

But every patient is different.

You may need to see a dentist more often if you: 

• Smoke or use tobacco products

• Wear braces or have dental implants

• Have a history of gum disease or tooth decay

You may be fine visiting once a year if you: 

• Have had no cavities or dental issues in recent years

• Don’t smoke or eat a low sugar diet

• Have excellent oral hygiene. 

Your family dentist is the best person to advise you. They will assess you at each visit and provide the best recommendations.

How often should children see a dentist? 

Children should start seeing their dentist as soon as the first tooth appears. After that most children benefit from check ups every 6 months as they are more prone to cavities and catching issues early makes treatments easier. Read more about how to prepare for your child's first dental appointment here.

Life can get busy and it’s easy to push dental appointment to the back of the queue but here’s what can happen when you skip: 

• Small cavities go undetected and grows larger

• Gum disease progresses silently and it rarely hurts until it’s advanced 

• Tartar build ups and can only be removed by a professional clean

• You end up paying more for complex treatments that could have been avoided.

Signs you need to immediately visit a dentist near you 

• Tooth pain or sensitivity that doesn’t go away

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• A broken or chipped tooth

• A lump, sore or white patch in your mouth

If you are due for a dental check up or if you can’t remember the last time you went, now is a great time to book your visit. It’s worth finding a practice that sees both adults and children. That way, the whole family can be cared for in one place. 

Aminya St dental is your local Mansfield family dentist, with friendly, preventive dental check up you can count on to keep your smile healthy. 

We make dental care as accessible as possible for Brisbane families. Eligible children can receive bulk billed treatment through medicare’ child dental benefits schedule. We also offer happy gas for anxious kids (and adults!) who need a little extra reassurance and we process your health fund claims on the spot. 

call us on (07) 3349 7749 or book online. 

Our team is at 2/14 Aminya St, Mansfield, Brisbane QLD 4122, open Monday to Saturday.

Frequently asked questions about regular dentist visits

How often should you see a dentist in Australia? 

The Australian Dental Association recommends every six months for most adults and children. Higher-risk patients may need visits every three to four months.

What is preventive dental care? 

Preventive dental care includes regular check-ups, professional cleans, X-rays, and personalised advice all aimed at stopping problems before they start.

Is there a bulk billing dentist in Brisbane? 

Aminya St Dental in Mansfield offers Medicare bulk billing for eligible children under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

How do I find a good family dentist on Brisbane's southside? 

Look for a practice that sees patients of all ages, offers flexible appointment times, accepts your health fund, and has a welcoming environment for kids. Aminya St Dental in Mansfield ticks all of those boxes.

What should I expect at a dental check-up in Brisbane? 

A typical check-up includes an examination of your teeth and gums, X-rays if needed, a professional scale and clean, and personalised oral health advice.

Can I claim my dental check-up on private health insurance? 

Yes, if you have extras cover that includes dental. Most Brisbane dental practices, including Aminya St Dental, process health fund claims.