Dental check-ups in Thames Ditton: your local guide
If you keep thinking “I really should book the dentist” and then putting it off, you are in good company. Life gets busy, and check‑ups rarely feel urgent – until something hurts. Yet a simple appointment once or twice a year is one of the easiest ways to avoid bigger, more expensive problems later on.
At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, Dr Theodora Bravis and her team look after patients from across Surrey, including Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Walton‑on‑Thames and Kingston. We take a holistic view of your mouth and general health, so a “routine check‑up” becomes a chance to get properly up to date, ask questions and feel in control again.
What actually happens at a dental check-up?
A check‑up with us is much more than a quick glance and a “see you in six months”. It is a structured review of your oral health with time built in for explanation and advice.
At a typical appointment you can expect:
- A thorough look at your teeth and gums
- An assessment of the soft tissues (cheeks, tongue, palate and lips)
- A mouth cancer screening for early warning signs
- X‑rays if needed, always explained in plain language
- A clear plan if anything needs treatment or monitoring
- Simple, practical advice you can use at home to keep things stable
Routine check‑ups at Thames Dental & Skin currently start from £85, and 0% finance is available for ongoing treatment plans if you need more extensive work.
New to Thames Dental & Skin? What your first visit is like
If you have not seen a dentist for a while, or you are nervous about coming back, your first appointment with us is longer so we can go at your pace.
During a new patient consultation in Thames Ditton we will:
- Talk through your medical and dental history, any worries, and what you would like to change
- Examine your teeth, gums and bite carefully
- Go through any findings, options, timings and fees so you know exactly where you stand
Because we take a holistic approach, we also think about factors such as stress, medications, diet, sleep and gut health that may be affecting your mouth. Many new patients travel from Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Walton‑on‑Thames and Kingston because they want this broader, health‑focused style of care from a local independent clinic.
Dental check-up vs hygienist visit – what is the difference?
A lot of people are unsure whether they “need the dentist or the hygienist”. In reality, they work best together.
Dentist: diagnose and plan
Hygienist: deep clean and protect
- Looks for signs of gum disease and inflammation
- Treats and helps prevent bleeding gums and bad breath
- Removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone cannot reach
- Gives tailored advice on brushing, flossing, interdental brushes, diet and quitting smoking if relevant
If you have ongoing gum problems, we will also think about broader contributors such as immune health, systemic inflammation and gut‑related issues, and may suggest appropriate health checks to explore these.
How often should you come in?
There is no single answer that suits everyone, which is why we give personalised recommendations. As a general guide:
New patients
- Start with a full consultation in Thames Ditton
- Follow with a hygienist visit if your dentist advises it
Most adults with healthy mouths
- Dental check‑up in Thames Ditton every 6–12 months
- Hygienist appointment about every 6 months
Higher‑risk patients
- More frequent visits if you have gum disease, lots of fillings, diabetes, braces, dental implants or if you smoke
- Often a mix of dentist and hygienist appointments every 3–6 months to stop problems getting ahead of you
If your gums stay inflamed despite regular care, we may also suggest health checks to look at things like gut bacteria balance, nutritional status or metabolic health, so we can address the root cause as well as the symptoms.
Professional teeth-cleaning with our hygienists
Hygienist appointments are the “spring clean” that keeps things feeling fresh between check‑ups. They are especially popular with patients from Thames Ditton, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham, Molesey, Hinchley Wood, Walton‑on‑Thames and the wider Surrey area who want to keep on top of their gum health and staining.
During a hygiene visit we will:
- Check for gum disease and other oral health issues
- Treat and help prevent bleeding gums and bad breath
- Remove stains, plaque and tartar that can lead to decay and gum problems
- Share tips on brushing, flossing, interdental cleaning and diet that actually work in real life
- Support you if you are trying to stop smoking or reduce vaping
Because we look at the whole person, we can also discuss how diet, digestion and the gut microbiome may be linked to gum inflammation and, where appropriate, recommend specific health checks.
Why local patients choose Thames Dental & Skin
Thames Dental & Skin is a holistic wellness clinic offering general dentistry, cosmetic treatments, dental implants, orthodontics, children’s dentistry, facial aesthetics and advanced skin treatments from one convenient Thames Ditton location. With a specialist‑led team and more than 25 years of combined experience, we are trusted by families, busy professionals and nervous patients across Surrey and South West London.
People often choose us because they want:
- A friendly, experienced dentist near Thames Ditton and Surbiton they can see regularly
- Joined‑up care that looks after teeth, gums, smile aesthetics, skin and wider health factors such as gut and hormonal balance
- Clear explanations, transparent pricing and flexible finance options where needed
If you are overdue a check‑up, worried about your gums or simply want to feel more confident about your oral health this year, booking a dental consultation in Thames Ditton is a straightforward first step. Your future self – and your future dental bills – will thank you.
Ready to book a consultation?
Whether you're seeking to restore your smile, enhance your appearance, or maintain your oral health, Thames is your local partner in achieving your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a dental check-up?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums benefit from a dental check-up every 6–12 months. If you have gum disease, lots of previous dental work, dental implants, braces, diabetes, or you smoke, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits to keep problems under control.
What happens during a routine dental check-up?
A dental check-up at Thames Dental & Skin includes a thorough examination of your teeth and gums, checks of the soft tissues in your mouth, a mouth cancer screening, and X-rays if needed. You’ll also receive clear explanations and practical advice, plus a plan if anything needs treatment or monitoring.
How long does a dental check-up take?
A routine check-up usually takes around 30 minutes. New patient appointments are longer to allow time for a full assessment, discussion of your history, and any questions you may have.
How much does a dental check-up cost in Thames Ditton?
Routine dental check-ups at Thames Dental & Skin currently start from £85. If further treatment is required, fees are discussed in advance and 0% finance is available for ongoing treatment plans.
I haven’t seen a dentist in years — is that a problem?
Not at all. Many patients delay dental visits for all sorts of reasons. Your first appointment is designed to be relaxed and unhurried, focusing on understanding your current oral health and helping you move forward comfortably, without judgement.
What is the difference between a dentist and a hygienist?
A dentist diagnoses problems, checks for decay, gum disease and mouth cancer, and plans any necessary treatment.
A hygienist focuses on deep cleaning, gum health, stain removal and prevention, and gives personalised advice on home care. For most people, seeing both regularly gives the best long-term results.
