How Often Should You Get a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

What’s the first thing you notice about a person? You might say their eyes or laugh, but chances are their smile is what grabs your attention first. You want to keep your smile in top shape and make excellent first impressions. But, maintaining a bright, white smile often takes a bit more than just daily brushing and flossing. Professional teeth cleanings are essential to keeping your mouth healthy and your smile bright. Learn more about dental cleanings and how often you should be scheduling them.

What Is a Professional Teeth Cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is a preventive dental procedure during which your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gumline. The process might also include scaling to remove hardened tartar and polishing to eliminate surface stains. These cleanings go far beyond what you can achieve with your daily oral hygiene routine.

The Benefits of Professional Teeth Cleaning

While heading to the dentist twice a year might seem like a hassle, the benefits of professional teeth cleaning certainly outweigh a minor inconvenience. Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can’t get all the hard-to-reach bacteria, and cleanings are essential for ongoing oral health. Get ready to reap these benefits:

• Plaque Removal—If you’re thorough with your brushing and flossing, you’ll remove most of the plaque on your own. Nevertheless, some is bound to stay on your teeth and harden into tartar. Once tartar is formed, it can only be removed through a professional cleaning.
• Early Detection—Cleaning will be the bulk of your appointment, but regular visits are also a chance for your dental team to evaluate your overall oral health. They can identify issues like gum disease and cavities before they become more serious (and expensive) problems.
• Gum Disease Prevention—Inflamed gums are no fun, and during a professional cleaning, we can recognize the signs of gum disease. If we notice any excessive inflammation or redness, we’ll recommend a treatment plan.
• Overall Health Benefits—Oral health is closely connected to overall physical health. Some studies have linked poor oral hygiene to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. In this way, regular cleanings can contribute to your overall wellness.

How Often Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning?

Usually, dentists recommend a professional cleaning every six months. This works well for most people with good oral health and low risk factors. However, some people may need more frequent cleanings to combat the early signs of gum disease and other conditions. If any of the following apply to you, your dentist might recommend visits every three or four months:

• Active gum disease or a history of periodontal problems
• Diabetes or other conditions that affect oral health
• Frequent cavities or high cavity risk
• Heavy plaque and tartar buildup
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Pregnancy
• Taking medications that cause dry mouth

What Happens If You Skip Professional Teeth Cleanings?

Many people ask whether professional teeth cleanings are worth it. The answer is an enthusiastic yes! If you don’t keep up with regular cleanings, you could be putting yourself at risk for a wave of oral health problems that may become more severe over time. Skipping your twice-yearly appointment could lead to:

• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Gingivitis or gum disease
• Cavities
• Bad breath
• The need for more expensive treatments

How to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Between Cleanings

Professional teeth cleanings are essential a few times a year, but simply keeping up with these appointments isn’t enough to preserve your oral health. In the meantime, you’ll need to maintain a strong dental hygiene routine. Here are our practical tips for combating plaque buildup between visits:

• Brush Twice Daily—Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes, making sure to get all surfaces of your teeth. If you really want to go the extra mile, purchase an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective for plaque removal.
• Floss Daily—Don’t skip flossing! Floss once a day to get rid of plaque and food particles between your teeth and along your gums. If you find traditional floss difficult to use, consider water flossers or floss picks.
• Rinse With Mouthwash—An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for products that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
• Eat a Healthy Diet—Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria and erode tooth enamel. Whenever possible, choose tooth-friendly foods like cheese, leafy greens, almonds, and crunchy fruits and vegetables.
• Stay Hydrated—Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria while promoting saliva production.

Prioritize Your Oral Health With Regular Cleanings

It can be tempting to skip out on a professional teeth cleaning, but it’s in your best interests to maintain your regular appointments. At Brookwood Dental Center, we strive to make dental care as comfortable as possible. Our Fenton, MO team is here to provide comprehensive cleanings in a welcoming environment. Contact us today to request an appointment.

FAQs About Professional Teeth Cleaning

How long does a professional teeth cleaning take?

Most professional teeth cleanings only take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque removal you need.

Does professional teeth cleaning hurt?

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a routine cleaning. However, you may feel some pressure or mild sensitivity, especially if you have sensitive teeth or significant tartar buildup.

Will my insurance cover professional teeth cleanings?

The majority of dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings twice per year at 100%. Nevertheless, we recommend checking with your provider to understand your specific coverage.