When Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

The best way to deal with oral health concerns is through prevention. One of the best ways to prevent oral health concerns such as dental cavities and gum disease is through regular dental cleaning visits with your dentist. This review discusses how often dentists recommend a dental cleaning and why it is so important for good long-term oral health.

The importance of a dental cleaning and how often it is necessary

A dental cleaning is a common preventive dental procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth and along the gum line. This is performed to prevent oral health issues and the need for expensive and often invasive treatment procedures to treat oral health concerns.

How often do I need a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning visit is typically recommended every six months for patients that are in ideal oral health. Some patients may need more frequent visits if they are going through treatment for common concerns such as weakened teeth enamel or gingivitis. During the first visit with a new dentist, they can conduct an oral examination and order dental x-rays to get a better idea of how often a dental cleaning is necessary.

When might dental cleanings be required more often?

Patients that do not have a history of any oral health concerns may only require a dental cleaning every eight months. For patients with a more severe form of periodontal (gum) disease known as periodontitis, a dentist may recommend a procedure known as deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, during which the dentist or hygienist cleans beneath the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria.

What is the harm in skipping dental cleaning visits?

A common mistake made is individuals who assume it is okay to skip dental cleaning visits if there are no notable oral health concerns. This is not a good assumption to make for several reasons. First, many oral care issues are hard to detect, and a dentist can often find issues in the earliest stages during a routine cleaning visit. Also, dental cleanings are preventive in nature, rather than used to treat oral health concerns after they develop.

How can I care for my teeth and gums between cleanings?

Routine dental cleaning and check-up visits are a great way to reduce the risk of oral health issues. However, the majority of care should still take place at home. This should include brushing and flossing several times per day, using mouthwash as directed, and checking for signs of oral health complications that may indicate a need to visit the dentist sooner than six months.