Most of us have heard about teeth cleaning procedures and their importance to our oral health. But how often do you need to have your teeth professionally cleaned? In this article, we address this question and talk about other tips that can help you support your oral health.
How Often Do You Need to Have Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?
Generally, dentists recommend having a professional dental cleaning twice a year. However, some people can be recommended to have cleanings more often (every 3 to 4 months), especially if one of the following conditions is present:
- Gum disease at any stage
- Weakened enamel and frequent occurrence of cavities
- Some general health issues that can negatively influence oral health (for example, diabetes)
- Crooked or crowded teeth that are challenging to clean effectively at home
Why Professional Cleanings are Important for Your Oral Health?
Professional cleanings are a crucial part of preventive dental care, as this procedure helps prevent various oral health issues caused by inadequate hygiene. Even people who are diligent about their daily oral hygiene can experience some plaque buildup over time, particularly in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
Plaque is an ideal environment for bacteria, and it also hardens and turns to tartar if not removed in time. Plaque and tartar accumulation are the primary causes of various oral health issues, including cavities, chronic periodontal disease, and tooth loss. Also, tartar is impossible to remove with just a toothbrush and always requires the assistance of a professional.
During regular professional cleanings, your doctor uses special instruments to effectively remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. As a result, the number of bacteria in the mouth and the risk of infections are significantly reduced. Additionally, by preventing oral health issues through regular dental cleanings, you can avoid incurring future expenses and time-consuming treatments.
Another indirect benefit of regular professional dental cleanings is the improvement of your general health. Bacterial growth in the mouth and oral infections are linked to various general health conditions, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and joint issues.
Additionally, chronic oral infections are associated with issues related to blood sugar, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Thus, by keeping your teeth clean and free from bacteria, you can also support your overall health.
What Are Other Preventive Dentistry Procedures?
Another preventive dental procedure we recommend is a professional fluoride treatment. It is most effective when done right after a cleaning. Fluoride works by remineralizing the enamel of your teeth, making it more resilient to bacteria. As a result, the overall quantity of bacteria in the mouth can be reduced, preventing cavities and gum disease.
Additionally, we recommend considering orthodontic treatments if you have crowded or crooked teeth. As we mentioned before, such teeth are often hard to clean properly on a daily basis, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. Thus, contrary to popular belief, an orthodontic treatment can not only improve the appearance of your smile but also help you improve your oral hygiene and prevent various issues.
In conclusion, it is also essential to remember that maintaining daily at-home hygiene remains a priority in preventing oral health issues, even if you have perfectly straight teeth and do not skip bi-yearly cleanings and fluoride treatments.
Get a Professional Dental Cleaning at Dental Care of Chino Hills
If you are due for a professional dental cleaning and fluoride treatment, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dentist at Dental Care of Chino Hills. We utilize modern methods and tools to help our patients both improve and maintain their oral health. We would be delighted to help you love your smile.