How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are a very important part of oral health, but also your overall health. Regular dental cleanings as part of your scheduled routine of dental exams can help prevent gingivitis, gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions, aid in the early detection of oral cancer, and keep your smile whiter and brighter. The typical recommendation is that you visit your dentist and your dental hygienist every six months for a dental exam and dental cleaning. But this might not be the best recommendation for everyone. Today, many dentists recommend consulting with your dental team to determine the most ideal schedule for dental cleaning according to your own oral health, lifestyle and habits, and your risks for periodontal disease and other health concerns. Here are some guidelines on how often you should have a dental cleaning.
What Happens During A Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning appointment with your dental hygienist is reasonably quick and easy. Every practitioner has their own distinct process and style, but every dental cleaning will include:
A Preliminary Teeth And Gum Exam
Your hygienist will examine your teeth and mouth for signs of inflammation, plaque and tartar buildup, staining, and tooth decay. This step will allow them to identify target areas for cleaning and also help them determine if a more comprehensive examination with the dentist is required.
Scaling
Using special scaling tools, your dental hygienist will scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth and around your gum line. If your hygienist notices plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line or if you are showing signs of periodontal disease, you may require a more extensive treatment known as deep cleaning.
Polishing
Using a gritty paste and a special polishing tool, your hygienist will gently polish your teeth to remove surface stains and shine and smooth your teeth so plaque is less likely to stick.
Regular dental cleanings will prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and keep your smile healthy.
When Are More Frequent Dental Cleaning Necessary?
Every six months is the standard recommended schedule for dental cleaning, but some people should see their hygienist more often. Here are some reasons more frequent dental cleanings might be required:
You have noticed bleeding and inflammation: Bleeding and swollen gums indicate mild gum disease (gingivitis) or more serious periodontal disease. When you have just the first signs of gum disease, more frequent dental cleanings can reverse the symptoms and when your gum disease is more advanced, frequent cleanings may be required to manage it and prevent complications.
You have bad breath: Chronic bad breath can be embarrassing and impact the way you interact with people. Although food and drinks are a common cause of temporary bad breath, gum disease, cancer and other illnesses, and oral infections can cause bad breath too. Dental cleanings can help you uncover and address the root causes of your bad breath.
Your lifestyle and habits impact your oral health: If you don’t floss or brush properly, smoke or chew tobacco, eat or drink a lot of coffee, alcohol, or acidic beverages, and even if you sleep with your mouth open, you may need to see your hygienist more frequently for dental cleanings
Underlying health conditions: If you have an injury, disability, or health condition (like arthritis or cancer) that prevents you from optimal at-home oral care, seeing your dental hygienist for dental cleaning can help you keep your mouth and teeth as healthy as possible.
Working with your dental team, you can determine the ideal frequency of your dental cleanings. When you are able to see your hygienist for a cleaning and you have no bleeding and little or no buildup of plaque and tartar, you have achieved the perfect interval.
Has it been more than six months since your last dental appointment? Don’t put it off any longer. Call Dr. Korol Dental or book your appointment online now.
Dental Cleanings When You Need Them At Dr. Korol Dental
Regular dental cleanings during a dental exam are a critical component of oral health. Your dental hygienist and dentist will examine your mouth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, damaged teeth, and early signs of oral disease. And a dental cleaning will leave your mouth feeling refreshed, brighter, and whiter. Talk to your dentist and dentist hygienist to determine the ideal frequency of dental cleanings for you.
Dr. Korol and her skilled and compassionate team are committed to providing the highest quality and safest, most holistic approach to dental care, oral health, and overall well-being. We offer the newest and most effective treatments and technologies to support a lifetime of good health. Our practice is committed to a biocompatible approach to family dentistry. Book your appointment by calling (403) 245-9099 or filling out our online form.
FAQ
Some people believe that if they are practicing good oral hygiene at home they can skip the bi-annual visit to the dentist, especially when a busy schedule or the lack of dental coverage are obstacles to dental care. But regular dental cleanings are a critical component of good oral health and even overall health. Learn more about The Risks Of Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings.
There are certain steps you can take at home to keep your smile white and healthy. This includes quitting smoking, limiting your intake of certain foods and drinks, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and rinsing your mouth after every meal.
A deep teeth cleaning is required to treat gum and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum, jawbone, and the structures surrounding the teeth. "Peri" means around, and "odontal" refers to teeth. Swollen and bleeding gums are early signs that your gums are infected with bacteria. If nothing is done, the infection can spread. It can destroy the structures that support the teeth in your jawbone. Eventually, your teeth can become so loose that they have to be extracted.
CONTACT US
Questions? Comments? Call us today at 1-403-245-9099 or fill out the form below:
