Regular dental cleanings are critical to maintaining good oral health at any age. At these appointments, a dental hygienist will typically assess your gums, remove plaque and tartar, floss and polish, and treat your teeth with fluoride.
You can protect your smile by scheduling a comprehensive exam and dental cleaning with a reputable Denton dentist. Regular dental cleanings help prevent oral diseases, such as gum disease and cavities. Read on to learn more about the importance of scheduling a dental cleaning appointment every six months.
Types of dental cleanings
The two main types of dental cleanings are preventive teeth cleanings and periodontal treatment. Both are important, but they have different purposes we’ll review below.
Preventive teeth cleaning
A preventive teeth cleaning is probably what you think of when you think about going to the dentist for a checkup. This routine cleaning process removes tartar, plaque, and stains. It also typically includes polishing and flossing.
A dental hygienist will check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and clean your teeth to prevent future issues. This type of dental cleaning is best for patients with healthy gums.
Periodontal treatment
Periodontal treatment is a special type of dental cleaning focused on caring for your gums. It generally includes gingivitis treatments and periodontal maintenance to reverse or treat gum disease. This treatment is designed for those with plaque buildup and other signs of gum disease.
How often should I get dental cleanings?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should schedule a yearly dental checkup and cleaning at a minimum.1 Dental professionals often recommend getting your teeth cleaned every six months to prevent plaque buildup and catch dental issues early. While six-month cleanings are common, the ideal schedule can vary based on your oral health, lifestyle, and risk factors such as gum disease, smoking, or chronic conditions. Your dentist can help determine the frequency that best supports your long-term oral health.
Benefits of regular dental cleanings
Why should you get your teeth cleaned every six months? There are several benefits of regular dental cleaning, including:
Prevents cavities
One of the number one reasons to have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly is to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases among Americans. In fact, over 80% of Americans have at least one cavity by the time they reach their mid-30s. 2 A dental cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar, protecting your enamel from decay.
Brightens your smile
Dental cleanings, especially fluoride treatments, help improve the brightness of your smile by removing stains. Polishing treatments aid in the removal of surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco use.
Detects issues early
Dental cleanings can also help hygienists and dentists detect health conditions such as gingivitis and oral cancer, or dental issues like broken fillings. By identifying issues early, you can prevent them from causing more damage to your health. You can also save money in the long run by addressing small issues before they turn into bigger ones.
Reduces bad breath
No one likes to have bad breath. Luckily, getting your teeth cleaned and maintaining good oral hygiene freshens your breath, since the dental hygienist will remove odor-causing food particles and bacteria during the cleaning.
Lowers risk of diseases
Did you know that dental cleanings actually help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections? Studies show that there’s a link between gum disease and the risks of heart disease and stroke. 3 Maintaining healthy gums may support overall cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and harmful bacteria in the body.
Invest in your oral health with routine dental cleaning
Beyond having a bright smile, a routine dental cleaning procedure is important for your oral health. It’s recommended to schedule cleanings every six months to stay on top of plaque and tartar buildup. If you’re looking for a dentist near me, schedule an appointment with a Denton dentist for preventative hygiene today.
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