If you’re wondering how often you should get your teeth cleaned, there’s one fact you should know: getting your teeth cleaned is one of the simplest ways to prevent cavities and improve your oral health. Regular dental cleaning improves how your teeth look, preserves the health of your teeth in the long term, and the health of your gums.
Professional Cleanings Are Good for Your Dental Health
Regardless of how thorough your dental hygiene may be at home, eventually plaque builds up on your teeth. Because it’s not removed by at-home brushing, plaque will then harden into sticky tartar or turn into even harder calculus, which can only be removed through professional dental cleaning.
So, if it is not removed through professional cleaning, the germs that can cause gum disease and tooth decay which are located within the tartar can lead to many dental problems. A smooth and clean surface on your teeth is the solution, making it harder for new plaque and tartar to form, and preventing other problems. Dental cleaning works: it removes tartar and calculus and is followed by your dental hygienist polishing your tooth enamel, both great for your teeth.
Good Oral Hygiene at Home
Of course, along with having regular, routine professional dental cleanings, you also play a major part in keeping your teeth healthy by practicing good oral care at home. This means brushing your teeth thoroughly for two minutes both morning and night, in order to remove food debris and plaque that will otherwise accumulate.
Do be careful to brush both the fronts and backs of all your teeth, and the chewing surfaces where plaque is most likely to accumulate. Be sure to use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride. You can floss before or after brushing. When you floss, make sure to carefully reach up or down thoroughly, all the way to the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Another good oral health care tip: use a mouthwash that prevents bacteria from forming.
Steps of Professional Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleaning starts with your hygienist using safe metal instruments on your teeth which scrape tartar and plaque from the tooth surface. Having frequent cleanings means you will have less plaque, which also means less pressure will be necessary when scaling teeth, reducing the possibility of discomfort.
How Often Should You Have a Cleaning?
So, how often should you get your teeth cleaned every year? Your dentist can tell you what is best for your teeth. Some patients need to visit their dental team once a year, others every six months, or every three months. It all depends on you and your teeth!
But, although everyone is different, dental cleanings twice each year are usually recommended. These twice annual cleanings are usually covered by insurance, too, so it’s a cost-effective way to keep your teeth looking, feeling, and staying their best. Remember, no matter how thorough your own at-home dental care is, you can’t prevent plaque and tartar altogether, so it’s always important not to skip regular professional dental cleaning.
Learn More about Dental Cleaning
If you’re ready to learn more about dental cleaning, or if you’re ready to schedule a cleaning, just reach out to us today. We’re here to help!