A dental check up is a regular appointment with your dentist to check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health issues. The dentist will usually test things like tartar build up, your bite, and the alignment of your teeth, and may even offer you an X-ray if they feel it’s worth taking a closer look at your jaw. Depending on the condition of your teeth, your dentist may recommend further treatment such as tooth extraction or cavity filling.