Dental Check-Ups: Costs & Information
Reviewed June 2024 by Our Content Experts
What is Included in a Dental Check-Up?
The purpose of a dental check-up is to ensure the mouth is properly cleaned and examine it for any health issues. Generally, a dental check-up will include:
- A professional cleaning
- A thorough examination
- An X-ray.
At a dental check-up, your dentist will assess you for early signs of gum disease, tooth decay, bone damage, oral cancer and other dental issues. They will clean your teeth and gums of plaque and tartar that may have built up in hard-to-reach places.
No matter how good your at-home oral care is, regular check-ups with a dental professional are required to maintain good oral hygiene and health and to detect signs of gum disease or tooth decay. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms of a dental issue, only a professional dentist can detect and treat oral problems. Dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth, gums and overall oral health.
How Much Does a Dental Check-Up Cost?
The cost of a general check-up, including teeth cleaning, will depend on several factors, such as whether you require x-rays. Based on data from the Australian Dental Association, teeth cleaning for an adult in Australia (item 011, 114, 121) can cost up to $312. This includes a general check-up and clean with a fluoride treatment. The price for two x-rays (item 022 x 2) can be up to an additional $118. With Smile dental cover, you get reduced and capped fees on check-up and cleans.
Select your state in the cost comparison table below for more detailed examples of the price of a general check-up and clean in your location.
Dental Check-Up Cost Comparison
Reviewed June 2024 by Expert Georgi Mack
Select State:
Item No.
Dental service
Regular Patients Pay
Smile Capped Fee
(Often less)
Save with Smile dental cover!
'Regular Patients Pay' is based on the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and Health Industry Claims and Payments Service (HICAPS).
'Smile Capped Fee' means members will not pay more than this fee & will often pay less so savings are often more!
These examples are guides, your treatment may vary.
Top-rated dental cover in Australia!
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
In general, you should visit your dentist for a check-up every 6 months. If you have existing dental issues or are at a higher risk of problems such as periodontitis, you may be required to be monitored more frequently, perhaps even once every 3 months. Your Smile dentist will advise you on when you should return for a check-up.
Why Are Regular Check-Ups So Important?
Regular dental check-ups are important to keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy. Even the most dedicated brushers and flossers cannot reach every area of their teeth and gums, which means plaque accumulates and can turn into tartar. If not treated, this tartar can cause gingivitis and lead to more serious issues, such as periodontal disease.
Regular check-ups ensure your mouth is properly cleaned and free from tartar and allow a dental professional to monitor your oral health. If a dental issue is detected, your dentist can recommend the appropriate treatment before it progresses to a more serious problem.
Is it Safe to Have a Check-Up if You Are Pregnant?
Routine check-ups can be performed at any time during pregnancy. In fact, it is recommended that you do visit a dental professional during pregnancy as the hormones in your body can have a negative impact on your gums. They are at a higher risk of becoming inflamed, infected and bleeding during pregnancy, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
How Can I Improve My Oral Health?
Improving and maintaining your oral health is simple when you practise good oral hygiene and follow these steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for 3 minutes each time using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
- Floss your teeth every day
- Use a mouthwash each day that contains fluoride
- Wear a mouthguard while playing contact sports
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco
- Eat a healthy diet and avoid high-sugar snacks and junk food
- Visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and examination every 6 months.
By taking proper care of your oral health, you can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Infections of the mouth can spread to the bloodstream throughout the entire body, resulting in more serious health issues. With at-home care and regular check-ups, you can increase your chances of avoiding damage and disease.
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