When it comes to oral health, prevention is always better than a cure, and one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of dental problems is through regular check-ups. But how often should you actually visit the dentist?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone. Your ideal schedule depends on your lifestyle, diet, dental history, and overall health. Here’s what you need to know:
Think of dental check-ups as your oral health MOT. These appointments allow your dentist to catch issues early—like cavities, gum disease, or worn fillings—before they become serious (and expensive) problems.
At a routine visit, your dentist will:
Skipping these visits might seem harmless, but minor issues can quickly escalate without professional care.
In the UK, NHS guidelines suggest visiting the dentist every 6 to 12 months. But this can vary depending on your circumstances.
• If your oral health is stable, a check-up once a year may be enough.
• If you’re at higher risk—due to smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, or frequent cavities—you may need to come in every 3 to 6 months.
Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your needs. Think of it as a personalised care plan for your smile.
Not everyone’s mouth is the same! Here are a few things that can affect how often you need to see the dentist:
While check-ups focus on diagnosing and preventing issues, dental hygiene appointments play a crucial role in maintaining healthy gums and a clean smile.
At a hygiene visit, your dental hygienist will:
Even the best toothbrush can’t remove tartar—only professional cleaning can do that.
Whether you’re due for a routine check-up or need more frequent visits due to a specific condition, we’re here to help you take control of your oral health.
Call us on 01322 523813 or book online to schedule your next visit with Moltons Dental. Let’s keep your smile strong, healthy, and confident for life.
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Stephanie is absolutely amazing. Best hygienist I’ve seen in years, gentle yet a deep clean and excellent, friendly manners. Have been coming to see Dr Meaden for decades and cannot fault the service here and...
Very professional! They create a welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts me at ease, no matter the procedure. Their dedication to patient care and oral health goes beyond routine checkups—they genuinely care about long-term well-being.
Myself and my whole family and I have been going to this dental clinic since I moved to the UK a few years ago. They have always been professional and patient every time I have...
I have recently had an implant with Ahssan, and I can honestly say, I have had absolutely no pain. I did not even need any painkiller. He is very good and friendly; the whole team...
Great service and a really pleasant atmosphere at the clinic. Gabriella was fantastic, super attentive and made the whole process feel effortless. She clearly cares about her patients and takes pride in her work. I...
Everyone was kind and welcoming, especially Kerrie at the reception and, above all, Gabriella, the best hygienist I’ve ever had. She was gentle, professional, and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt completely...
I’ve always been extremely anxious about visiting the dentist, but my experience with Dr. Marta completely changed that. I needed a new filling, and from the moment I sat in the chair, she was incredibly...
I have been coming to this dental clinic for years, and my recent experience with Dr. Marta was absolutely outstanding. I first saw her for a routine check-up, and I was so impressed with how...
I recently had a dental implant with Dr. Ahssan and couldn’t be more pleased with the experience, especially as I suffer from significant anxiety with anything to do with the dentist. He was professional, gentle,...
I’ve been coming to this practice for many years and recently saw Dr. Ahssan for an implant consultation. He carefully explained all the treatment options, showed me my X-ray, and arranged a 3D scan. He...
Dr. Marta and staff were incredibly friendly and professional, making me feel at ease throughout my visit. I highly recommend this practice.
I can’t recommend this dental practice enough! From the moment I walked in, the team were so warm and welcoming. The reception staff were friendly and efficient, and the whole atmosphere felt calm and professional....
Been using Moltons (Was Maxted Meaden for 30 years), Dr Wendy Meaden and Stephanie, who have done a wonderful job looking after my teeth and gums over the years.Thank you.
I have been with the practice for years but more recently I’ve been a patient with Assan. He is calm, friendly and patient and really knows how to put nervous patients at ease (me!) Everything...
If there were a 10 STAR rating, I’d give it to this dental surgery & the dentist Ahssan, who ‘saved me’ and extracted my super painful wisdom tooth. I’m new to Bexley & when my...
A last-minute appointment and review for a wonderful place, as my daughter had a toothache. Marta was great with my 8-year-old daughter, who had an on-the-spot filling, a little gift given afterwards and a courtesy...
What a lovely practice! Warm, friendly staff, and Dr Sarvestani was so patient. I am a very nervous patient, and I felt that time was taken to ensure I was comfortable throughout my treatment. Not...
I visited this lovely practice last week after I woke up with a toothache. The receptionist accommodated me quickly, and the nurse and dentist were all incredibly helpful; they took the time to listen to...
I recently had my teeth cleaned by the hygienist at this practice, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The cleaning was thorough, gentle, and completely painless. The hygienist took great care to explain...
I have been with this practice for years and just had an appointment with Marta, the new owner. The surgery has been updated and looks fresh and new, and Marta was very welcoming, helpful, thorough...
Had my first root canal treatment with Marta, and she was absolutely amazing. Marta and Jane were so gentle with me, and I am an extremely nervous patient. Thank you so much, Marta, Jane, and...
I’ve been coming to Maxted and Meaden Dentist for over 25 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. Dr Wendy Meaden is always so professional, caring, and genuinely empathetic. I recently had a front veneer fitted....
I had to get an emergency appointment about a month ago after a weekend of hell with a toothache. I knew the tooth wasn’t great, but I had to have a root canal done, which...
Excellent treatment as always. My 30-year-old fixed bridge, which was originally fitted by Dr Maxted, partially broke. I was seen quickly by Dr Maxted, who checked it. He confirmed that it was still firmly fixed...
Amazing practice. I have been going there for forty-plus years and have always had great service. Friendly, clean and expert dentists. Would highly recommend.
I have been attending Moltons Dental (formerly Maxted Meaden) for over 25 years and have always received excellent care from Dr Meaden and the rest of the team. I would thoroughly recommend the practice to...
Had the most amazing dental experience. Dr Patel was very professional in delivering a perfect dental treatment. The entire team, including receptionist Kerrie, provided outstanding patient care services. I highly recommend this dental practice.
I have been with the practice for over 20 years and have experienced all types of their dental skills, from root canals and implants to crowns, combined with regular check-ups and Hygienist appointments. I have...
Going to the dentist is never at the top of my list of favourite things to do, but without fail, each visit to Moltons Dental (formerly Maxted Meaden) is worth it. I’ve been going for...
I am a long-standing patient of Maxted Meaden Dental Practice and am extremely pleased with my recent visit for a hygiene appointment. I think I saw Stephanie, who was very thorough and gentle at the...
Everyone is fantastic, always gets well looked after, and everything is explained – wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Saw me promptly and gave good treatment. Can’t fault them. It seems like a nice, friendly place.
Had the most amazing dental experience. Dr Patel was very professional in delivering a very good dental treatment. The entire team and the receptionist Kerrie provided an outstanding patient care service. I highly recommend this...
Great experience as always. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Teeth feel very clean!
A friendly, professional service with Dr Maxted and his nurse, Jane, offering perfect quality treatment.
Excellent service, very friendly and competent hygienist. Would recommend her always.
I recently visited Moltons Dental (formerly Maxted Meaden Dental) Practice to address a dental issue and to see the hygienist. The Staff were excellent, and the dentist made me feel at ease, gentle, and resolved...
Outstanding experience and advice, saving me from an extraction. Thank you.
Excellent service today from Gabriella, the Hygienist.
Been with them for nearly 2 years now. A very friendly team, very gentle, and above all, incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Uses all the latest equipment and techniques. I wish they were cheaper, but expertise...
Comprehensive hygiene appointment.
Stephanie is absolutely amazing. Best hygienist I’ve seen in years, gentle yet a deep clean and excellent, friendly manners. Have...
Very professional! They create a welcoming atmosphere that instantly puts me at ease, no matter the procedure. Their dedication to...
Myself and my whole family and I have been going to this dental clinic since I moved to the UK...
I have recently had an implant with Ahssan, and I can honestly say, I have had absolutely no pain. I...
Great service and a really pleasant atmosphere at the clinic. Gabriella was fantastic, super attentive and made the whole process...
We understand that dental care can sometimes feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together this FAQ section to address the most common questions we receive. Whether you're a new patient or a long-time visitor, we want you to feel confident and well-informed about your dental care. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our friendly team is always here to assist you.
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In the event of a dental emergency, please contact us immediately. If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or an injury to your teeth or gums, please call us during office hours, and we will do our best to accommodate you for an urgent appointment.
At Moltons Dental, we recommend having a dental check-up every six months. Regular visits help us detect any potential issues early, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns, before they become more serious. However, depending on your individual needs—such as a history of dental problems, gum disease, or ongoing treatments—we may suggest more frequent visits.
Your dentist will work with you to create a personalised check-up schedule that best supports your long-term oral health.
