The Wellness17 September 2026Last reviewed 17 September 2026
How often you should see a dentist depends on your own risk of tooth decay and gum disease. NICE clinical guideline CG19, published in 2004, advises between three and 24 months for adults, and between three and 12 months for under 18s. Your dentist suggests the right interval for you at each check up.
NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, published clinical guideline CG19 in 2004. It covers how long to leave between dental check ups. The guideline calls a check up an oral health review.
The guideline advises that your dentist sets this interval for you. They base it on your oral health, your history of dental problems and your risk of problems in the future.
For adults, the shortest interval is three months and the longest is 24 months. For children and young people under 18, the shortest is three months and the longest is 12 months.
Your dentist reviews your interval at each check up. It can get shorter or longer as your risk changes.
Many people grew up with the idea of a check up every six months.
CG19 does not set one interval for everyone. Six months falls within the range, so it suits some people.
If your teeth and gums are healthy and you have had no recent decay, your dentist may suggest a longer interval.
If you have tooth decay or gum disease, your dentist may suggest a shorter interval, as short as three months.
CG19 asks your dentist to consider your medical history, your diet, how much fluoride you get, and habits such as smoking.
Your dentist also considers what they find when they examine you, such as signs of tooth decay or gum disease, and your past dental treatment.
New decay, bleeding gums, a change in your health or a new medicine can each be a reason for your dentist to see you sooner.
Several check ups in a row with no new problems can be a reason to see you less often, up to 24 months for an adult.
Tell your dentist about any changes to your health since your last visit. The guideline treats your history as part of your risk.
CG19 also advises that your dentist discusses the interval with you. At Dentistry by The Wellness, your dentist writes the interval into your plan and explains it to you at the appointment.
For a routine visit, most people book a dental check up. It costs from £235 and takes about 30 minutes.
At a check up, your dentist examines your teeth, gums and mouth. They take x-rays if you need them, give you advice on caring for your teeth, and suggest when to come back. The fee depends on whether you need x-rays.
If you want your teeth cleaned at the same visit, book dental hygiene with a dentist examination. It costs from £395 and takes about 60 minutes. It combines airflow cleaning with a full examination by a dentist. Airflow cleaning uses a fine spray of air, water and powder to remove staining.
Dental hygiene with airflow costs from £225 and takes about 45 minutes. It includes airflow cleaning, hand scaling and advice on what causes staining. Hand scaling removes hard deposits with small hand instruments. This appointment does not include an examination by a dentist.
If you want treatment planned, such as whitening, bonding or implants, book a smile assessment. It costs from £315 and takes about 45 minutes. It includes an examination, a digital scan of your teeth, photographs, and a written plan with the exact fee.
For children and young people under 18, CG19 advises an interval of between three and 12 months, based on your child’s own risk.
A children’s check up with fluoride costs from £295 and takes about 30 minutes. The dentist examines your child’s teeth, takes x-rays if they are needed, gives advice on brushing and diet, and applies fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish is a coating painted onto the teeth to help protect them from decay.
Children’s hygiene costs from £155 and takes about 30 minutes. A fissure sealant costs from £125 a tooth. It is a protective coating painted onto the chewing surface of a back tooth.
A children’s orthodontic assessment costs from £250. A consultant orthodontist checks whether your child needs braces or aligners, and when to start.
Your child’s dentist reviews the interval at each visit, and it can change as your child grows.
If you have toothache, swelling, a broken tooth or a lost crown, you do not need to wait for your next check up. A same day emergency check up costs from £375.
If swelling spreads towards your eye or neck, or makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to your nearest emergency department or call 999.
Dentists and dental specialists in London carry out your treatment, and your care is booked and coordinated by The Wellness. Most people are seen within a week.
For a routine visit, book a dental check up, from £235. If you want treatment planned, book a smile assessment, from £315.
24
months is the longest interval between check ups for adults, and three months the shortest, set for each person from their own risk.
NICE clinical guideline CG19, Dental checks, intervals between oral health reviews, 2004
12
months is the longest interval between check ups for people under 18, and three months the shortest.
NICE clinical guideline CG19, Dental checks, intervals between oral health reviews, 2004
Yes, if your risk is low. NICE guideline CG19, published in 2004, allows up to 24 months for an adult. Your dentist suggests your interval after examining you.
Book a dental check up, from £235. Your dentist examines your mouth and suggests when to come back. If you already know you want treatment, start with a smile assessment, from £315.
Not always. NICE guideline CG19 advises that your dentist reviews it at each check up and changes it if your risk changes.
Dental hygiene with airflow does not include an examination by a dentist. Dental hygiene with a dentist examination, from £395, includes both.
Every three to 12 months. Your child’s dentist sets the interval from your child’s own risk, as NICE guideline CG19 advises for under 18s.