Importance of a Dental check up
There are 2 parts to a regular dental visit – check up, or examination and the cleaning, or oral prophylaxis.
At a dental check up your dental professional will check for cavities. X-rays might be taken to detect cavities between your teeth. The exam will also include a check for plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque is a clear, sticky layer of bacteria. If it is not removed, it can harden and become tartar. You cannot remove tartar with brushing and flossing. If plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, they can cause oral diseases.
Your gums will also be checked. This will be done with a special tool to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums. With healthy gums, the spaces are shallow. When people have gum disease, the spaces may become deeper.
Your teeth will also be cleaned at your visit. Brushing and flossing help clean the plaque from your teeth, but you can't remove tartar at home. During the cleaning, your dental professional will use special tools to remove tartar. This is called scaling
What you should do between each dental visit
Be sure to take care of your teeth and gums between regular dental visits. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, but you can manage it by brushing and flossing regularly. Here are some tips for good oral care at home.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
Floss daily.
Quick facts about a regular dental check up
Regular dental visits are important because they help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
There are two parts to a regular dental visit:
- The check up
- The cleaning
During the dental check up, your dental professional will check your overall oral health for any trouble areas.
During the cleaning, your dental professional will remove any plaque and tartar buildup and may polish your teeth.
You should have a regular dental visit at least twice a year or as recommended by your dental professional.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.7% Yes
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33.5% Maybe?
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24.8% No
Wanted: Information on stolen art piece
Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.
The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.
Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.
“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.
“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.
It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”
If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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