Should I Go More Than Once a Year for a Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning is the most basic type of dental service, but you may wonder how often you need to have this done. If you don’t notice any problems, can you skip cleanings for a while? Or are twice-a-year cleanings necessary for everyone?
What is the recommended number of dental visits a year?
For years, conventional wisdom has said that you should visit the dentist twice a year. This might be a good rule of thumb, but the truth is that everyone’s situation is unique, and you might have different needs. If you have little risk of having cavities or gum disease, twice a year may be an appropriate schedule for you. However, if you at a higher risk of dental disease, you should visit your dentist more often.
Just because you don’t see any problems with your teeth or have any pain, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to see the dentist. Regular visits can help catch and treat problems before they progress.
Why are teeth cleanings so important?
Teeth cleanings offer the following benefits:
- Preventing cavities: As plaque builds up on your teeth, it can eat away at your tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Dental cleanings help remove plaque that can’t be removed by brushing or flossing.
- Stopping gum disease and tooth loss: Built-up plaque can cause gum disease, which can result in tooth loss.
- Brightening your smile: Teeth can become stained, especially as you age, and drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine can also stain your teeth. A teeth cleaning can help remove these stains.
- Freshen your breath: Getting your teeth cleaned can help remove trapped bacteria that can lead to bad breath.
- Improve your health: Maintaining good dental health may be linked to better overall health. In addition, your dentist can detect problems such as oral cancer during routine dental exams.
What else are they looking for during these appointments?
Teeth cleanings usually include the following:
- Review of your medical history
- Oral cancer screening
- Evaluating gum tissue
- X-rays
- Checking biting and chewing patterns
- Removing plaque, tartar, and stains
- Applying fluoride
- Polishing teeth
- Recommending future treatment
Who should visit the dentist more often?
You should make more frequent visits based on your dentist’s recommendation. The following are some circumstances under which your dentist may suggest several visits a year:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Gum disease
- Weakened immune system
- A tendency to get cavities or built-up plaque
If you need a teeth cleaning or other dental services, make an appointment or stop by one of Dental365’s many convenient New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut offices. We’re open seven days a week with extended weekday hours for your convenience, and we welcome walk-ins. Fill out the form on this page to request an appointment or call 844-365-DENTAL to learn more.
