Tooth decay is the most common disease, leading to tooth loss if not treated. Regular dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to protect against cavities, gum disease, and other health problems.
But how often do you need to have dental cleanings? The answer depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits, the condition of your teeth and gums, and how often you eat sugary foods.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of regular dental cleanings and why they’re so important.
What Is a Dental Cleaning and Why Do I Need One
A dental cleaning is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar from teeth.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, and tartar is a hardened form of plaque. Both plaque and tartar can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other health problems.
If left untreated, plaque and tartar can lead to cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and other health problems.
Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
There are two main types: regular and deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing).
Regular dental cleaning often follows dental exams. The dentist or hygienist will examine the teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues before removing any plaque or tartar that has built up since the last cleaning.
Deep teeth cleaning is necessary if you have gum disease, chronic bad breath, persistent toothache, recurring cavities, or other dental health problems. The dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, where normal cleaning tools can’t reach.
The type of cleaning you require depends on the condition of your teeth and gums.
If you have healthy teeth and gums, regular cleaning will be sufficient. But if you have gum disease or other dental problems, you may need a deep cleaning.
How Often Should I Have Dental Cleanings?
How often you should have dental cleanings depends on various factors, including your oral hygiene habits, the health of your teeth and gums, and your overall health.
Most people should have a dental cleaning at least once every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other dental problems, you may need to have a dental cleaning more often than that.
Talk to your dentist to find out which type of cleaning is right for you.
Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings for a Healthy Mouth
Dental cleanings are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues.
If you’re not sure how often to schedule dental cleanings, it’s best to talk with your dentist about what is right for you. After discussing your personal oral health needs, they’ll be able to come up with a cleaning schedule that fits your needs.
If you found this article helpful and would like to know more about dental care, visit our Health category for similar topics.
