how often teeth cleaning

How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for a healthy mouth and overall well-being. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. However, its not enough. You also need to get professional cleaning at regular intervals. If youre wondering how often you should get teeth cleaning, read on.

What is Teeth Cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is a process by which a dental hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth and gum line. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth and contains bacteria. If left untreated, it can harden into tartar, which is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing alone.

Five Subtitles:

1. Why Should You Get Teeth Cleaning?

2. Factors That Affect Frequency of Teeth Cleaning

3. Signs That You May Need Teeth Cleaning Sooner

4. How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning If You Have Braces or Implants?

5. What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?

Why Should You Get Teeth Cleaning?

Getting teeth cleaning at regular intervals has several benefits:

Prevent Tooth Decay: A professional cleaning removes bacteria and plaque that can cause tooth decay.

Prevent Gum Disease: If the plaque spreads to the gum line, it can cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Brighten Your Smile: If your teeth are stained, a professional cleaning can remove the stains and brighten your teeth.

Detect Oral Health Issues: A dental hygienist can detect oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer during routine cleaning.

Factors That Affect Frequency of Teeth Cleaning

Several factors affect how often you need to get teeth cleaning:

Overall Oral Health: If you have good overall oral health, you may be able to go longer between cleanings.

Tobacco Use: If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you are at higher risk of gum disease and may need to get teeth cleaning more often.

Age: As you age, your teeth become more susceptible to decay and gum disease. Older adults may need to get teeth cleaning more frequently.

Health Conditions: Certain health conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk of oral health issues and may require more frequent cleanings.

Signs That You May Need Teeth Cleaning Sooner

If you notice any of the following signs, its time to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment:

Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that doesnt go away with brushing and flossing may be a sign of gum disease or other oral health issues.

Red, Swollen Gums: Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis.

Sensitive Teeth: If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures or sweet foods, it may be a sign of tooth decay.

How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning If You Have Braces or Implants?

If you have braces or implants, you may need to get teeth cleaning more frequently. Braces can trap food particles and make brushing and flossing more difficult, while implants require special care to prevent damage to the implant. Your orthodontist or dentist can advise you on how often you need to get professional cleaning.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment?

During a teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will:

Remove Plaque and Tartar: Using a scaler, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line.

Polish Teeth: The hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth.

Floss Teeth: The hygienist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining debris.

Examine Mouth: The hygienist will examine your mouth for any signs of oral health issues.

In conclusion, getting teeth cleaning at regular intervals is important for maintaining good oral health. The frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including overall oral health, tobacco use, age, and health conditions. If youre due for a cleaning, contact your dentist or orthodontist to schedule an appointment.