A dental check-up often passes in a blur. You open wide, hear a few numbers read out, and you’re back on the street before you’ve thought to ask anything. Yet this short appointment is your best chance to understand what’s really going on in your mouth, and asking the right questions turns a routine visit into a genuinely useful one.
For busy professionals working in the City, whether near Barbican, Moorgate, St Paul’s or Liverpool Street, making every appointment count matters. Here are ten questions to bring to your next check-up, so you can stay ahead of problems instead of reacting to them.
Gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, and in its early stages it rarely hurts. During your check-up, your dentist will typically carry out a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) to measure the pockets around each tooth. Ask them to explain your scores and point out any areas of concern. Those few numbers give a clear snapshot of your gum health.
Decay caught early can often be halted, or even reversed, with improved cleaning, fluoride and a few dietary tweaks, well before a filling is needed. Ask whether there’s anything worth keeping an eye on. It’s also worth asking when you last had X-rays, since decay between the teeth is often only visible on a radiograph.
Brushing twice a day doesn’t guarantee a thorough clean. Many people consistently miss the same areas without realising. Ask your dentist or hygienist where plaque tends to collect in your mouth and whether your technique could be improved. If you use interdental brushes, check you have the right sizes, as a poor fit means they won’t clean properly.
The right interval varies from person to person. Six-monthly cleans suit some people, while others are better off returning every three to four months, especially smokers or those with a history of gum problems. Rather than following a blanket rule, ask what your dentist recommends based on your own mouth.
Long working days, stress and hours at a screen can all trigger clenching or grinding, frequently while you sleep. Tell-tale signs include worn or flattened edges, small chips, an aching jaw and headaches first thing in the morning. Your dentist can identify the wear and discuss ways to protect your teeth, such as a custom-made night guard.
Flat whites, sparkling water, fruit teas, wine and sports drinks are staples of city life, but many are acidic and can slowly erode enamel over time. Ask whether you’re showing any signs of erosion and which small changes would help most. That might mean adjusting when you have acidic drinks, using a straw, or leaving it a while before brushing afterwards.
As part of a routine check-up, dentists examine the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks and throat. It’s a quick check, but asking about it means you’ll know it’s been done and what your dentist is looking out for. Mouth cancer responds better to treatment when found early, and understanding your own risk factors helps you notice changes between appointments.
No filling or crown lasts indefinitely. Ask whether any of your existing restorations are wearing, cracking or starting to leak around the edges. Replacing one on your own schedule is almost always easier, and cheaper, than coping with a broken tooth or needing urgent root canal treatment.
Crooked or crowded teeth are about more than appearance. They can be trickier to keep clean, which increases the risk of decay and gum disease, and an uneven bite can lead to wear or jaw discomfort. If your alignment is a concern, ask whether Invisalign or another clear aligner system could be a good fit.
If you only ask one question, make it this one. It gives your dentist the chance to share their honest, prioritised view of your oral health. Their answer might be a tweak to your cleaning routine or a treatment worth planning for. If you’re keen to enhance your smile, it could be a cosmetic option such as composite bonding or teeth whitening.
At City Dental, we’re committed to clear, honest advice and a preventative approach to your care. Our general dentists, specialists and hygienists take the time to answer your questions fully, so you leave knowing exactly where your oral health stands and what, if anything, needs to happen next.
We’re conveniently located within easy walking distance of Barbican, Moorgate, St Paul’s and Liverpool Street, with appointment times that work around your schedule. We accept all dental insurance, including BUPA dental insurance.
Book your check-up online at and come prepared with your questions.
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