How Often Should You Get A Dental Cleaning? Insights From A Dentist

prioritize dental cleanings
By St. Charles Family Dentistry

Several people have this question in their minds: how often should they get a professional dental cleaning? You should maintain your home cleaning procedures and visit a dentist for regular cleaning and checkups. Dentists can help you keep your teeth and gum in shape and avoid major dental problems. Professionals also focus on early detection of dental problems and treat them accordingly. Never step aside from regular dental checkups, thinking about its basic costs. Having a casual approach now can lead you to expensive and painful treatments in the future. In this blog, we will learn about all the necessary aspects of dental cleaning and preventive dental checkups. 

The Standard Recommendation 

Nothing can be better than visiting your dentist for dental cleanings in St. Charles at least once every six months. Dentists suggest this general guideline to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. However, it may vary from one individual to another based on the condition of teeth. Effective brushing and flossing might not be enough to avoid dental problems in the future. Professional dental cleaning ensures to clean every corner of your teeth and gum.   

Factors That Can Influence The Frequence Of Dental Cleanings 

Although there are standard guidelines from dentists, the need may vary due to several factors. If you suffer from gum disease, you should visit your dentist once every three months. Those patients suffering from dry mouth should schedule dental cleanings even more frequently. Even if you smoke or consume tobacco, make sure to increase the frequency of dental cleanings. Certain medical conditions demand frequent cleanings. Your dentist is the right person to guide you based on your specific dental condition. 

Children And Dental Cleanings 

As a parent, you should always be extra attentive to their dental cleanings. They don’t understand the importance of visiting a dentist regularly to avoid future dental complications. They often fail to maintain effective brushing and flossing procedures, which leads to plaque buildup. Generally, the frequency of dental cleanings for children is similar to that for adults. Pediatric dentists might increase the frequency while your child suffers from a condition. 

The Role Of Dental Cleanings In Preventing Serious Issues

While you maintain proper oral hygiene, you automatically eliminate the scope for developing major dental issues. Ensuring regular home dental care routines and visiting a dentist for professional dental cleanings are equally important. Experts always ensure detailed cleaning of your teeth and gum. It will help avoid gum infections, tooth cavities, and other major dental concerns. Regular cleanings also ensure you always experience fresh breath, avoiding lousy odor issues. 

Signs That You Might Need More Frequent Cleanings

While the standard recommendation is every six months, there are some signs that you may need to visit your dentist more frequently for cleanings. If you experience any of the following, it might be time to schedule an additional appointment:

  • Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could indicate gum disease. This suggests that you may need a cleaning to prevent further damage.
  • Persistent Plaque or Tartar Buildup: If you notice your teeth feeling rough or have stubborn plaque buildup, it might be time for a more frequent cleaning.
  • Persistent Bad Breath: If brushing and flossing don’t resolve your bad breath, a cleaning may be necessary to remove bacteria trapped along the gumline.

Finding The Right Cleaning Schedule For You 

Dental cleanings can play a significant part in ensuring your oral and overall health. For most people, visiting the dentist every six months is enough to keep their teeth and gums healthy. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have specific oral health concerns, such as gum disease, dry mouth, or other risk factors. Visit a dentist today to examine your dental conditions and get a personalized dental cleaning schedule. 

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