Dental cleanings are one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health, but few people know how often they should schedule them. It's important to know this information so that you can keep your smile healthy and strong well into the future.
Most dentists will recommend going in for a dental cleaning every six months, as it’s the minimum amount of time needed to thoroughly clean teeth and prevent future dental problems from occurring. Some experts suggest going in as often as every three months, especially if you have trouble with cavities or other minor dental issues that can be resolved through early detection and treatment. Of course, you should also go to our dentist if you notice any changes in your oral health such as pain, swelling, or changes in your teeth function.
If you’re new to your dentist, how often will they recommend for you to come in for cleanings? Most dentists recommend their patients visit them every six months. However, some dentists suggest coming in more often if you suffer from certain dental conditions or if they have specific concerns about your teeth.
At each of these appointments, they’ll do things like check to see if any teeth need work or extractions, check for cavities or gum disease, and use an electric toothbrush on your teeth. In between those appointments, most dentists suggest visiting them at least once a year for a professional cleaning. During those visits, trained dental hygienists—not just dental assistants—will deep-clean your mouth by flossing between your teeth and using dental picks on the plaque that can’t be reached with just brushes and flosses alone.
Some people may need to visit their dentist more often than every six months, however. You can also talk with your dentist about how often you should come in if you have diabetes because these patients need to visit more frequently to check for early signs of gum disease. If you have any questions or concerns about going in for dental cleanings, it’s always a good idea to ask your dentist at your next appointment. After all, they’re there to keep an eye on things and make sure everything stays healthy!
Regular cleanings are important for many reasons. For one, they remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. While people can certainly reduce this with regular brushing, sometimes these things are missed due to improper or inconsistent brushing.
Not only that, but during your cleaning session, your dentist will look at areas you can’t see, such as below your gum line and in between your teeth. Because you can't see these areas easily, you may not have any idea there is an issue going on. Catching it early can make all of the difference when it comes to creating a treatment plan.
If there is something wrong with one of these areas (such as a cavity), it can be treated before it worsens or grows out of control. In addition, regular cleanings allow dental hygienists to do tests on your gums to make sure they aren’t receding due to an underlying condition. The overall health of your mouth also affects how well your teeth stay looking and feeling their best.
It would be best if you visited your dentist for a cleaning and checkup at least twice each year. Your dentist can catch problems early and prescribe treatment for tooth decay and other dental issues before they become serious problems that cause pain or even lead to tooth loss. Here are just some of the benefits of regular dental checkups. They help ensure good oral health and will let you know about any possible cavities or damage. If caught early, these problems can be treated easily and effectively by using:
They also allow time for good oral hygiene practices such as daily brushing and flossing to be reinforced, so you do not need more intensive cleanings more often than necessary.
If you haven't already, you should make sure that you have an appointment scheduled for a cleaning with your dentist. Contact your dentist today to get it on your calendar. Your dental health depends on it!
Request an appointment here: https://www.stevekimdds.com or call Steve S. Kim, DDS at (310) 539-5300 for an appointment in our Torrance office.
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