How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up?

It is recommended to visit a dentist for a check-up at least once a year, unless your dentist recommends a shorter interval. However, many dental professionals recommend having a preventive dental check-up twice a year, approximately every six months. Regular check-ups are the most effective way to prevent painful and costly procedures in the future.

How often should you visit the dentist for a preventive check-up

How often you should visit the dentist depends on several factors. The general recommendation for adults is once every 6 to 12 months. In the Czech Republic, public health insurance covers one preventive check-up per year for adults (children and adolescents under 18 are entitled to two check-ups per year).

Shorter intervals between check-ups are particularly recommended for:

• patients prone to tooth decay,
• individuals with gum disease (periodontitis),
• pregnant women, who are entitled to two preventive check-ups during pregnancy,
• diabetics and patients with weakened immune systems,
• smokers, who face a higher risk of gum problems.

If you are unsure which interval is right for you, consult your dentist. At our clinic in Brno, we will create an individualised preventive check-up plan for you after an initial consultation.

What is included in a preventive dental check-up

A regular preventive dental check-up is not just a quick glance into your mouth. It is a comprehensive examination that includes:

• Visual inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue and oral mucosa.
• Probing of individual teeth to detect early-stage decay that is not visible to the naked eye.
• Assessment of gum health — the dentist checks for bleeding, swelling or the formation of periodontal pockets.
• X-rays (as needed) to detect hidden cavities between teeth or problems at the root level.
• Checking existing fillings and crowns to identify wear and tear in time.
• Oral cancer screening.

If early-stage decay is detected, gentle restorative treatment can be performed.

Why regular check-ups are worth it

Neither tooth decay nor early-stage gum disease typically cause pain. That is why many patients postpone their dental visit until significant problems appear. By that point, however, the issue is usually advanced, and treating it is more complex, more painful and considerably more expensive.

Regular check-ups offer a number of benefits:

1. Early detection of decay — a small cavity can be treated with a simple filling, whereas neglected decay may eventually require endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) or even tooth extraction.
2. Prevention of periodontitis — bleeding gums are the first warning sign. With regular check-ups, periodontitis can be caught early, preventing bone loss and potential tooth loosening.
3. Financial savings — a preventive check-up is covered by Czech public health insurance at no cost to registered patients. By contrast, complex procedures (crowns, bridges, implants) can cost hundreds to thousands of euros.
4. Maintaining overall health — chronic gum inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other systemic conditions.

Preventive check-up vs. dental hygiene — what is the difference

Patients often confuse a preventive dental check-up with a dental hygiene appointment. Although the two visits complement each other, each serves a different purpose.

A preventive check-up is a comprehensive examination of the condition of your teeth and gums. It is carried out by a dentist and is covered by Czech health insurance once a year.

Dental hygiene is a professional cleaning of the teeth — removal of tartar, stains and bacterial plaque from areas you cannot reach with a toothbrush. We generally recommend having dental hygiene done twice a year. You can find a detailed overview in our complete guide to dental hygiene.

The ideal approach is to have your preventive check-up and dental hygiene appointment during the same visit, or within a short time of each other. This ensures comprehensive care for your teeth.

How much does a preventive check-up cost and how to book

A standard preventive check-up is covered by Czech public health insurance for registered patients — you pay nothing. If you are visiting us as a new patient, the initial consultation costs €20 and the initial dental hygiene session costs €85. You can find a full list of prices on our pricing page.

You can easily book a preventive check-up online at our clinic in Brno. Do not put off taking care of your teeth — a regular check-up is the simplest step towards a healthy smile for life.