How Often Should You Have a Dental Cleaning? 

If you want to keep your smile bright and your breath fresh while enhancing and maintaining your overall health, frequent dental cleanings are a vital but sometimes ignored way. For more information on dental care in Brookline, consult a dental professional today. 

The importance of dental cleanings 

Dental cleanings are required to ensure the health of patients’ teeth and gums. They are an essential aspect of one’s general oral care regimen since they assist in eliminating any tartar or plaque collection that can cause mouth issues such as tooth decay. There is also a link between one’s dental health and general health.

When someone’s gums and teeth are in poor condition, it is conceivable that they may suffer from poor general health, such as heart disease or diabetes. Cleanings can also assist in eliminating any ugly stains on the teeth, allowing you to be proud of your smile.

How often should you get a dental cleaning? 

Some dentists recommend that you go for a cleaning every six months. This lets your dentist examine your teeth and determine whether anything needs to be treated, such as a cavity or gingivitis. There does not appear to be much study comparing those who visit the dentist twice yearly to those who get their teeth cleaned less regularly.

Some experts have judged the 6-month criterion unreasonable in recent years. According to one 2013 study, those who see the dentist twice a year do not always enhance their dental results in a statistically meaningful way.

The same study discovered that the frequency of dental care visits should be decided in consultation with your dentist, depending on your unique risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss.

You may be more susceptible to gum disease if you:

  • Smoke tobacco 
  • Have diabetes 
  • Have a family history of periodontitis 

Income inequality and dental health are linked, according to research. People who do not have dental insurance or the means to pay for regular dental appointments have more cavities, more dental injuries, and higher rates of gum disease.

This is a tricky problem that may be attributable to disparities and barriers to healthcare. Still, it indicates that visiting the dentist regularly impacts both your oral and general health. 

Consult your dentist today. 

You should see your dentist for an annual exam at least once a year. This session will often involve teeth cleaning. It is not recommended that you skip this yearly exam. You may protect your teeth from cavities and lower your risk of gum disease by practicing excellent dental hygiene. This may suggest that you do not need to see the dentist as frequently because you require fewer appointments to solve dental concerns. However, only your dentist can give an accurate assessment, so schedule a consultation today.