How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning? - Smiles Dental Care Mountain View California (2024)

FAQs

How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning? - Smiles Dental Care Mountain View California? ›

General guidelines state that patients should make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning every six months.

In most cases, dental insurance plans cover professional teeth cleanings every 6 months. The reality is that most patients require teeth cleanings every three months. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, for example, more frequent cleanings can lower your risk for gum disease.

As a general rule-of-thumb, one dental cleaning appointment is recommended every six months. But this 'rule' varies depending on the condition of your teeth. For example, patients with excellent oral hygiene habits may only need to visit the dental hygienist once a year.

But making sure you thoroughly clean your teeth at least twice a day is more important than the type of brush you use.

The six-month recall interval (the time between two consecutive visits) should not be seen as a surefire, one-size-fits-all best practice. Indeed, some patients—people who smoke or who have diabetes, for instance, or women who are pregnant—should see their dentist every three months or more.

A deep dental cleaning is necessary when there is a significant amount of bacteria and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Once pockets form from gum disease, the bacteria and tartar begin to fill these pockets. If not removed, periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss can take place.

For the longest time, the recommendation for teeth cleaning has been twice a year, that is, every six months. Recent research has shown that while this is necessary for some, it might not be necessary for each individual. For some people, a once-a-year cleaning can be sufficient.

It is very important to realize that the hygienist is not only going to clean your teeth; there is a lot more to it than that! The removal of stains or teeth whitening is secondary to the health of your gums. It is the plaque between your teeth and gums that will make your gums unhealthy if not cleaned regularly.

Usually, you may see a tinge of redness in your saliva after teeth cleaning. Bleeding happens in individuals who have not received dental care for a long time and with severe periodontitis after a deep cleaning. Swollen Gums: Scraping of deposits and bacterial layer, may result in slight gum swelling.

Although plaque scrapers can be purchased in some stores and online, it's not a good idea to use them yourself. Because plaque scrapers are sharp, improper use can damage the delicate gum tissue. Trauma to the gum tissue isn't just painful, it can also cause receding gums, exposing the sensitive roots of the teeth.

Should you floss or brush first? ›

While it may be surprising, a study has found that flossing first followed by brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is more effective in removing interdental plaque than brushing first, flossing second. In addition, flossing before brushing results in greater fluoride retention between teeth.

LISTERINE^® Total Care is a fluoride-based mouthwash that offers six dental hygiene benefits in one oral rinse to kill germs that cause bad breath, strengthen teeth, help prevent cavities, restore enamel, clean your mouth and freshen breath.

Get your teeth cleaned and treated. Adults should visit a dentist at least once every six months. But if you have a high risk of gum disease because of underlying diseases (e.g. diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease and kidney disease), one needs to go for more frequent scaling treatment by a dentist.

Almost all problems affecting the teeth and gums are treatable -if they are addressed in a timely manner. However, if you ignore warning signs and don't get regular checkups, you can lose your teeth. This can occur due to advanced periodontal disease or from tooth decay that goes untreated for too long.

Untreated tooth decay and gum disease can lead to the loss of one or more of your teeth. Regular check-ups can identify problems before they advance to that point. But neglect and no dental treatment are a recipe for pain and loss. Long term neglect is a common cause of periodontal disease of the gums.

Regular dental visits are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. However, if you haven't been to the dentist in three years or more, you may be at risk for long-term dental neglect effects. Neglecting dental care can lead to a range of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

Fillings, Crowns and Dentures

In most cases, the recommendation is to see a hygienist every 2 to 4 months, depending on your individual circ*mstances.

Scientifically speaking, plaque bacteria take about 3 months to reach maturity, which is when they become periodontal pathogenic bacteria, the kind that causes gum disease. When you have your teeth cleaned every 3 months, the bacteria are removed before they reach maturity.

Periodontal maintenance takes place within three months because that is the estimated time for the bacteria to reproduce and affect the teeth and gums. These bacteria will multiply so constant maintenance visits are necessary to prevent their growth.

You should schedule routine cleanings with your dentist or hygienist at least once every six months. Ask your dentist if twice-a-year cleanings are right for you. They may want to see you more frequently if you're prone to cavities or gum disease.