Are you debating just how often you should get your teeth cleaned? If so, you should know this: getting your teeth professionally cleaned by your dental team is one of the best ways to prevent cavities and improve your overall oral health. Regular dental cleaning will improve how your teeth look, and it preserves the health of your teeth over time, as well as the health of your gums.
Professional Cleanings: Good for Your Dental Health
You should know that no matter just how thorough your dental hygiene is at home, eventually plaque does build up on your teeth. Because it’s not removed by at-home brushing, the plaque will then harden into sticky tartar and turn into even harder calculus. This can only be removed through professional dental cleaning.
So, if not removed through professional cleaning, the germs that can cause gum disease and tooth decay located within the tartar can lead to many different dental problems. Instead, a smooth and clean surface on your teeth will make it harder for new plaque and tartar to form in the first place, and prevent other problems. Dental cleaning works because it removes tartar and calculus and is followed by your dental hygienist polishing your tooth enamel, both of which are great for your teeth.
Good Dental Hygiene at Home
Of course, along with having regular, routine professional dental cleanings, you still play a big part in keeping your teeth healthy when you’re practicing good oral care at home. What does that mean? It means brushing your teeth both morning and night for about two minutes each time, in order to remove food debris and plaque that otherwise accumulate.
And, be careful to brush both the fronts and backs of all your teeth, and the chewing surfaces where plaque is the most likely to accumulate. Also, be sure to use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that has fluoride. You can floss either before or after brushing. Whenever you floss, make sure to carefully reach up or down to the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach. Another good oral health care plan is to use a mouthwash that prevents bacteria from forming.
Professional Dental Cleaning Steps
Professional dental cleaning begins with your hygienist using safe metal instruments on your teeth. These scrape tartar and plaque from the tooth surface. Having regular, frequent cleanings means you will have less plaque, which means less pressure is necessary when scaling teeth, reducing the possibility of discomfort.
How Often Should You Have a Cleaning?
So, how exactly often should you get your teeth cleaned every year? Your dentist will tell you what is best for your teeth. Some patients need cleanings scheduled just every 6 months, others every 3 to 4 months. It all depends on the health of your gums !
But, although everyone is different, dental cleanings scheduled twice each year are usually what is recommended. These twice annual cleanings are most often covered by insurance, too, so it’s a cost-effective way of keeping your teeth looking, feeling, and staying at their best. Remember, no matter how careful and thorough your own at-home dental care may be, you can’t prevent plaque and tartar altogether. That’s why it’s always important not to skip your regular professional dental cleanings.
Want to Learn More about Dental Cleaning?
If you’re ready to find out more about dental cleaning, or if you’re ready to schedule a dental cleaning, reach out to us today!