A surprising number of people assume a check-up and a hygiene appointment are the same visit, or that going to one means you can skip the other. They are not the same thing, and understanding the difference is one of the simplest ways to avoid bigger, more expensive dental problems later. At Brookside Dental in Market Harborough, we see the results of this mix up fairly often, usually in the form of gum disease that could have been caught much earlier with regular hygienist visits. Here is what each appointment actually involves and how often you genuinely need them.
A check-up is your dentist examining your teeth, gums, jaw and soft tissue for signs of anything that needs attention, from early decay and cracked fillings to less obvious things like signs of grinding or, in rarer cases, oral cancer. X-rays are sometimes taken to check for decay between teeth or below the gum line that is not visible to the eye. This is also when we discuss anything you have noticed yourself, whether that is sensitivity, a niggling ache, or a tooth that feels different when you bite down.
Crucially, a check-up does not typically involve a deep clean of your teeth; that is a separate appointment with a dental hygienist.
Even with careful brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar over time in places a toothbrush cannot reach properly, particularly along the gum line and between teeth. A hygienist uses specialist instruments to remove this build up through scaling and polishing, and will usually give tailored advice on your brushing technique or flossing habits based on what they see in your mouth specifically, rather than generic advice that applies to everyone.
This matters because tartar build up left untreated is one of the main drivers of gum disease, which in its early stages, called gingivitis, causes red or bleeding gums, and if left long enough can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that can loosen teeth permanently.
We recommend a check-up every six to twelve months for most patients, though this can vary; someone with a history of decay or gum problems may need to come in more often, while someone with consistently excellent oral health might be reviewed slightly less frequently. Hygiene appointments are generally recommended every twelve months as a minimum, though many patients choose to come every six months, particularly if they are prone to staining or tartar build up.
The honest answer is that your dentist will tailor this to your mouth specifically, rather than applying a blanket rule, which is one reason regular check-ups matter even if nothing feels wrong.
New patients start with a clinical exam and check-up, priced at £75 and including two small X-rays and a treatment plan if anything needs addressing. Our dental hygiene appointments cover cleaning, gum care, scaling, polishing and personalised advice, delivered by Fiona Steed and Jayesh Jadeda, who between them have years of experience as dental hygienists. If you would rather spread the cost of routine care, our membership plan covers your check-ups and hygiene visits across the year and includes a 10% discount on most other treatments. We are happy to book both appointments together where it makes sense for you.
We see patients for routine check-ups and hygiene visits from across Corby, Rugby and North Northampton as well as Market Harborough itself, often families who have been coming to us for years.
If it has been a while since your last visit, book a check-up with us in Market Harborough. Catching small issues early is almost always cheaper and less invasive than waiting until something hurts.
Most people should have a check-up every six to twelve months, though your dentist may recommend a different interval based on your individual oral health history and risk factors.
We generally recommend a hygiene appointment at least every twelve months, though many patients benefit from visiting every six months, particularly if they are prone to tartar build up or staining.
Most patients find scaling and polishing comfortable, though those with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may notice some mild discomfort during the appointment. Your hygienist can adjust their approach if you flag any sensitivity.
No, because a hygienist is not trained or qualified to diagnose dental problems such as decay, cracked teeth or gum disease requiring treatment. You need both a dentist for diagnosis and a hygienist for cleaning to properly maintain your oral health.
A surprising number of people assume a check-up and a hygiene appointment are the same visit, or that going to one means you can skip the other. They are not the same thing, and understanding the difference is one of the simplest ways to avoid bigger, more expensive dental problems later. At Brookside Dental in Market Harborough, we see the results of this mix up fairly often, usually in the form of gum disease that could have been caught much earlier with regular hygienist visits. Here is what each appointment actually involves and how often you genuinely need them.
A check-up is your dentist examining your teeth, gums, jaw and soft tissue for signs of anything that needs attention, from early decay and cracked fillings to less obvious things like signs of grinding or, in rarer cases, oral cancer. X-rays are sometimes taken to check for decay between teeth or below the gum line that is not visible to the eye. This is also when we discuss anything you have noticed yourself, whether that is sensitivity, a niggling ache, or a tooth that feels different when you bite down.
Crucially, a check-up does not typically involve a deep clean of your teeth; that is a separate appointment with a dental hygienist.
Even with careful brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar over time in places a toothbrush cannot reach properly, particularly along the gum line and between teeth. A hygienist uses specialist instruments to remove this build up through scaling and polishing, and will usually give tailored advice on your brushing technique or flossing habits based on what they see in your mouth specifically, rather than generic advice that applies to everyone.
This matters because tartar build up left untreated is one of the main drivers of gum disease, which in its early stages, called gingivitis, causes red or bleeding gums, and if left long enough can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition that can loosen teeth permanently.
We recommend a check-up every six to twelve months for most patients, though this can vary; someone with a history of decay or gum problems may need to come in more often, while someone with consistently excellent oral health might be reviewed slightly less frequently. Hygiene appointments are generally recommended every twelve months as a minimum, though many patients choose to come every six months, particularly if they are prone to staining or tartar build up.
The honest answer is that your dentist will tailor this to your mouth specifically, rather than applying a blanket rule, which is one reason regular check-ups matter even if nothing feels wrong.
New patients start with a clinical exam and check-up, priced at £75 and including two small X-rays and a treatment plan if anything needs addressing. Our dental hygiene appointments cover cleaning, gum care, scaling, polishing and personalised advice, delivered by Fiona Steed and Jayesh Jadeda, who between them have years of experience as dental hygienists. If you would rather spread the cost of routine care, our membership plan covers your check-ups and hygiene visits across the year and includes a 10% discount on most other treatments. We are happy to book both appointments together where it makes sense for you.
We see patients for routine check-ups and hygiene visits from across Corby, Rugby and North Northampton as well as Market Harborough itself, often families who have been coming to us for years.
If it has been a while since your last visit, book a check-up with us in Market Harborough. Catching small issues early is almost always cheaper and less invasive than waiting until something hurts.
Most people should have a check-up every six to twelve months, though your dentist may recommend a different interval based on your individual oral health history and risk factors.
We generally recommend a hygiene appointment at least every twelve months, though many patients benefit from visiting every six months, particularly if they are prone to tartar build up or staining.
Most patients find scaling and polishing comfortable, though those with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may notice some mild discomfort during the appointment. Your hygienist can adjust their approach if you flag any sensitivity.
No, because a hygienist is not trained or qualified to diagnose dental problems such as decay, cracked teeth or gum disease requiring treatment. You need both a dentist for diagnosis and a hygienist for cleaning to properly maintain your oral health.
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