Cannon Street Dental & Implant Centre
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Most dental problems do not announce themselves. They build quietly over months, sometimes years, before pain or visible damage forces a visit.
You’ll be relieved to know that most of those problems are entirely preventable.
This guide explains how regular dental care in London works, what to expect from a professional check-up and hygiene appointment, and why consistent oral health habits save both teeth and money over time.
Key takeaways from this guide:
Preventive dentistry is the practice of caring for your teeth and gums proactively, before problems develop, rather than after they cause discomfort. It combines regular professional check-ups, hygiene appointments, and personalised guidance to keep your mouth in good health over the long term.
The approach works on a simple principle: identifying and addressing small issues early costs far less, in time and money, than treating advanced decay or gum disease later. For patients across the City of London, building a consistent preventive routine is one of the most practical decisions you can make for your overall well-being.
How Often Should You See a Dentist?
For most adults, a check-up every six to twelve months is appropriate. Your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease, a history of decay, or other risk factors. The interval is personalised, not universal.
Children generally benefit from more regular monitoring, especially during periods of tooth development. A child’s dental check-up allows the dentist to track growth, address early concerns, and establish good habits before problems begin.
A thorough examination covers far more than a quick look at your teeth. In a single appointment, your dentist will assess:
The aim is to identify anything that might become a problem before it requires complex or costly treatment.
Periodontal screening is a brief but important part of every dental examination. It measures the depth of the gap between your gum and tooth using a small probe. Healthy gums show readings of 1 to 3 millimetres. Deeper pockets indicate gum disease, which, if left untreated, can damage the bone that holds teeth in place.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK. Early screening catches it at a stage when it responds well to professional cleaning and improved home care.
Yes. No matter how carefully you brush, plaque builds up in areas that are difficult or impossible to reach at home. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
A hygienist uses specialist instruments to remove tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. This process, known as scaling, also polishes the teeth to slow the re-attachment of plaque. You can read more about what a dental hygiene appointment involves and how it supports long-term gum health.
Read more: Your Mouth Speaks Volumes: What Your Oral Health Reveals About Your Body
| Stage | What Happens | Time Taken |
| Assessment | Gum health and plaque levels are recorded | 5 minutes |
| Scaling | Tartar is removed using hand or ultrasonic tools | 15–25 minutes |
| Polishing | Staining is reduced; surfaces are smoothed | 5–10 minutes |
| Oral hygiene advice | Personalised guidance on brushing and flossing | 5 minutes |
Most patients leave feeling a noticeable improvement in texture and freshness. Some sensitivity is normal for 24 to 48 hours after scaling, particularly if tartar has built up below the gumline.
Plaque is a biofilm of bacteria that forms on teeth within hours of brushing. When left in place, those bacteria produce acids that attack enamel and trigger inflammation in the gums. Tartar provides a rough surface for further plaque accumulation, creating a cycle that worsens over time.
Regular professional cleaning interrupts that cycle. Combined with good daily habits, it is the single most effective intervention for preventing both tooth decay and gum disease.
Read more: Maintain Oral Health with Hygienist Visits
It is worth reviewing a few common signs:
Any of these are good reasons to book an appointment now rather than later.
Q: Is preventative dentistry the same as a regular check-up? A: Preventive dentistry is the broader approach, of which regular check-ups are one part. It includes hygiene visits, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants, and personalised advice to reduce the risk of future problems.
Q: Will a check-up include X-rays every time? A: Not always. X-rays are taken at intervals based on your individual risk profile, typically every 12 to 24 months for most adults. Your dentist will explain when and why they are needed.
Q: What is oral hygiene advice during a hygiene visit? A: Your hygienist will review your brushing and flossing technique, suggest any adjustments, and may recommend tools such as interdental brushes or specific mouthwashes suited to your needs.
Q: Can I have a hygiene appointment without seeing the dentist? A: In many practices, yes. A hygienist can provide independent professional cleaning and oral hygiene support. However, a full dental examination remains important for detecting decay, gum disease, and other conditions.
Q: How long does a first check-up take at a new practice? A: A first visit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. It allows time for a full examination, X-rays if needed, a review of your dental history, and a discussion of your goals and any concerns.
Read more: Exploring the Unexpected Link Between Dentistry and Mental Well-being
If you are based in the City of London or the surrounding area and are overdue for a dental visit, Cannon Street Dental offers thorough examinations, professional dental hygiene, and dedicated care for children under one roof. The team combines clinical expertise with an approach designed to put nervous or busy patients at ease. Contact the practice today to arrange your next appointment.
Regular dental care is not about reacting to problems. It is about making sure most of those problems never happen.
020 8075 7106