Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Preventive Dentistry

Ideally, you would want to visit your dentist in Armidale, NSW every 6 months.  Brushing and flossing clean above the gum and does not reach under the gum.  Tartar and plaque build underneath the gum. Similar to the skin on the fingernails forming a tight collar on the nail bed, teeth are similar in the sense that the gum forms a tight collar around the teeth to protect the jawbone. If the gums bleeds, it is an indication that something is not right, and the collar has been broken down by the entrance of plaque (bacteria) which now continue to breed and release toxins into the jawbone.

What Are The Benefits Of Routine Dental Visits?

Without 6 monthly checks and cleans, what then can happen is bacteria penetrates and dissolve the bone around the teeth painlessly and eventually teeth will become lose. 6 monthly checks and cleans in addition to brushing twice daily and flossing will prevent occurrence of gum disease and tooth decay. Other benefits of 6 monthly checks are: allows dental problems to be identified early which cost less to manage. Advanced dental problems attract high expenses to treat, and this can be distressing to all involved.

Learn More About Markham Street Dental

Do you want to learn more about routine dental visits in Armidale, NSW? At Markham Street Dental, we welcome your call or email.

Generally, the gums can bleed a little when flossing. If you have not flossed for a long time, the chances are when you start doing it the gums may bleed a lot. In that case continue doing it, the more you do it the gums will get healthier and will bleed less.

Ask Your Dentist About Your Flossing Technique

If you are not sure about the flossing technique, ask your dentist in Armidale to demonstrate this for you. Using the wrong technique will result in the floss cutting the gums causing pain and that is the reason why most people quit flossing their teeth. Flossing the teeth consistently reduce occurrence of decay in between teeth and loss of bone in between teeth due to gum disease.

Our Clinic Welcomes Your Call For Further Questions

Do you want to learn more information about proper flossing and brushing techniques? At Markham Street Dental, we welcome your call or email.

Remove Plaque and Tartar

At Markham Street Dental, your clean starts with a gentle but thorough scale. This involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from around your teeth and gumline using special tools. Even if you brush and floss daily, tartar can build up in places your toothbrush can’t reach, and only a professional dental team can safely remove it.

Polish Your Teeth

Next comes the polish, which smooths the tooth surfaces and removes surface stains from coffee, tea or wine. This can make your teeth look cleaner and brighter, but also helps make it harder for plaque to stick in the future.

Check Your Gums

We’ll also assess your gum health, checking for signs of gingivitis or early gum disease. If we spot anything concerning, we’ll chat with you about next steps to prevent it from progressing.

Create a Treatment Plan

Depending on your needs, we may also recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and protect against future decay, especially if you’re prone to cavities or have sensitive teeth.

Are You Due for a Teeth Clean in Armidale?

A dental clean gives you and your smile a fresh start. We invite you to call Markham Street Dental to book a dental check and clean.

Your mouth is the gateway to your body, which means that optimal oral health plays a positive role in your overall wellness.

Your Armidale, NSW dentist customises your preventive check-ups and teeth cleans to work with your specific needs. However, your dentist typically recommends one or two exams per year.

When you adhere to the schedule recommended by your dentist, you may be lowering your risks for preventable conditions like tooth decay, root infections, and even gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease & How Can I Prevent It?

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is especially concerning because it has been linked in studies to heart health issues, specific types of dementia, and even low birth weight in babies.

Usually, gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is a reversible condition. When gingivitis becomes periodontitis, it is only treatable.

With regular dental exams, your dentist can catch gingivitis before it becomes gum disease and small cavities before they become advanced tooth-threatening decay. Your regular teeth clean lowers your risks for developing oral health issues from the start!

For your part, we strongly recommend brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice per day.

We Encourage You to Arrange Your Dental Check-Up in Armidale, NSW

Between your at-home routine and dental care in our clinic, you may be in store for optimal oral health for life.

Regular dental check-ups are one of the simplest ways to maintain your oral health and identify potential concerns early. At Markham Street Dental, the cost of a new patient examination, check-up and clean can range from approximately $305 to $445.

What's Included?

Your appointment may include the following:

• A dental consultation
• Any clinically required x-rays taken on the day
• A professional scale and clean
• Fluoride application

We may recommend x-rays to help identify concerns that are not always visible during a visual exam, such as:

• Decay between the teeth
• Issues affecting wisdom teeth
• Changes to the surrounding bone and jaw

If x-rays are not clinically required, a check-up and clean can cost approximately $248. This appointment includes a visual exam, professional teeth cleaning and fluoride treatment.

Check-Up and Teeth Clean in Armidale, NSW

Regular dental exams allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and identify any changes over time. Early detection may help you address concerns before they become more complex.

If it's time for your next dental check-up, our team at Markham Street Dental is here to provide personalised, preventive care. We'll discuss any findings with you and recommend treatment only if it's clinically appropriate for your individual needs.

We invite you to book your next appointment.

Disclaimer: Pricing and treatment recommendations vary based on each individual's needs and clinical circumstances. The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide only and reflects indicative pricing and information available as of August 2026. A personalised consultation is required to confirm the most appropriate treatment options and provide an accurate quote.

During your visit, your dentist examines your teeth and gums, monitors any changes since your last appointment, and looks for signs of concern such as tooth decay, gum disease, or worn restorations. Identifying problems early may allow for simpler treatment options and help maintain your oral health over time.

What Does a Dental Check-Up Cost?

A new patient exam, check-up and clean costs approximately $305 to $445. This is subject to change depending on various factors. A new patient dental check typically includes:

• A dental consultation
• Any clinically required x-rays taken on the day
• A professional clean
• Fluoride application

If you do not require x-rays, a check-up and clean costs approximately $248 and includes a visual exam, professional teeth clean and fluoride treatment.

If your dentist recommends additional treatment after the exam, they will explain your options and create a personalised plan before moving forward. 

Flexible Dental Care for Your Budget

Markham Street Dental offers payment plan options to help eligible patients spread the cost of treatment into manageable repayments.

Due for a routine check-up or it's been a while since your last visit? Our friendly team is here to provide personalised preventive care. You can reach us on (02) 6772 6554. 

Disclaimer: Pricing and treatment recommendations vary based on each individual's needs and clinical circumstances. The information provided on this page is intended as a general guide only and reflects indicative pricing and information available as of August 2026. A personalised consultation is required to confirm the most appropriate treatment options and provide an accurate quote.