*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Dental Check Ups

You may assume you should have a dental check-up every 6 months, but some people may not need to go so often and others may need more frequent checks.

Your dentist should suggest when you should have your next check-up based on how good your oral health is.

The time between check-ups can vary from 3 months to 2 years, depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are and your risk of future problems.

Why do I need a dental check-up?

A check-up allows your dentist to see if you have any dental problems and helps you keep your mouth healthy. Leaving problems untreated could make them more difficult to treat in the future, so it's best to deal with problems early, or, if possible, prevent them altogether.

What happens during a dental check-up?

At each check-up, your dentist should:

examine your teeth, gums and mouth
ask about your general health and any problems you've had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit
ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits
discuss a date for your next visit

How often should I have a dental check-up?

After your check-up, your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit. The time to your next check-up could be as short as 3 months or as long as 2 years (or up to 1 year if you're under 18).

Generally, the lower your risk of dental problems, the longer you can wait before your next check-up. So people with good oral health will probably need to attend only once every 12 to 24 months, but those with more problems will need check-ups more often.

What about dental treatments?

This advice is about routine check-ups only. You may need other appointments for dental treatments such as fillings, having a tooth taken out or emergency treatment.

If you have problems with your teeth between check-ups, contact your dental surgery to make an appointment. In an emergency outside normal working hours, contact your surgery on its usual number and you will be told how to access emergency dental care.

How to see a dentist in an emergency or out of hours

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.