Do you ever wonder how often you should get your teeth cleaned? Most people should get professional dental cleanings at least twice a year. This is not necessarily the right amount for every patient, however. Some people need more frequent cleanings, while others may be able to wait longer between appointments. The frequency of your visits depends on your individual dental health and specific needs, so talk with your dentist about how often you should get them done.
Some patients may need more frequent cleanings due to their unique dental health needs.
Some patients may need more frequent cleanings due to their unique dental health needs. These special groups of patients include:
- Those with gum disease (periodontal disease)
- Patients who have had dental restoration procedures such as crowns, implants, or root canals
- Patients who have diabetes
- Smokers and people with a history of tobacco use
- Family members with a history of gum disease
Patients should schedule a cleaning appointment when they notice that their teeth are developing plaque, tartar, or discoloration.
It is important to schedule a cleaning appointment when you notice that your teeth are developing plaque, tartar, or discoloration. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that covers your teeth and releases acids that can damage the enamel of your teeth. Tartar is a hard deposit of plaque that forms on the teeth when it stays on the surface long enough to turn into calcified matter.
If plaque remains on your teeth for too long, it can form tartar (or calculus). This hardened substance sticks even more tightly to your tooth surface than plaque does, making it much harder to remove. In addition to being unsightly, this buildup can lead to gingivitis or gum disease if left untreated.
Plaque also causes tooth decay when oral bacteria break down the sugar in foods and drinks you consume into acid; this acid then attacks the hard layers of enamel covering each tooth until they wear away completely—creating cavities in the process. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more likely these issues will develop in your mouth, so it’s important to schedule an appointment before they worsen!
If you’re not sure how often you should get a professional dental cleaning, give us a call today. At Litchfield Dental Associates, we pride ourselves on getting to know you, your teeth, and your unique dental needs. We offer the latest and most effective cleaning services and will give you personalized recommendations on how best to care for your teeth based on the health of your teeth and gums.