Teeth cleanings are one of the primary methods of preventative dentistry. Undergoing regular professional cleanings can save you a lot of time and money on future treatments of complex dental issues. But how often should you go for a professional dental cleaning? Please read our article to learn about the procedure and its benefits.
How Often Should You Go for a Professional Dental Cleaning?
The general rule is to have a professional dental cleaning every 6 months. However, some patients, especially those who have periodontal disease or teeth with weak enamel and prone to cavities, can be recommended to have cleanings as often as every 3 or 4 months.
The reason to have professional dental cleanings so often is that even if you have an impeccable oral hygiene routine at home, some plaque is still likely to accumulate on your teeth and gums, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This issue can be exacerbated if you have crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth, as they are more challenging to clean adequately and prone to significant plaque and tartar buildup.
Plaque is filled with bacteria that gradually destroy the enamel of your teeth and the gum tissue. On top of that, plaque that is not removed regularly hardens and turns into a sticky substance called tartar. Tartar is also an ideal environment for bacteria. Also, it is impossible to remove without special dental instruments.
Both plaque and tartar are leading causes of tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these conditions are bacterial infections that can lead not only to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration but also to issues with general health. Chronic infections in the mouth are closely related to gastrointestinal illnesses, heart disease, high blood sugar levels, diabetes, and kung and joint issues. In addition, having any of these general health issues can significantly reduce your energy levels and quality of daily life and negatively influence your appearance.
Thus, bi-yearly professional dental cleanings will benefit not only the health of your teeth and gums but also improve the health of your entire body and your life enjoyment.
What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning
There are four types of professional dental cleanings: routine cleanings, deep cleanings (also referred to as gross debridement), scaling and root planing, and periodontal maintenance. Let us look at these types of dental cleanings in more detail.
Routine Dental Cleaning
Routine dental cleaning is typically done every 6 months when patients have a regular amount of plaque or tartar buildup. During this procedure, your doctor removes plaque and tartar with special instruments, such as scalers, and cleans and polishes your teeth with a professional electric toothbrush.
Deep Dental Cleaning
Deep dental cleaning or gross debridement is similar to routine cleaning but is more thorough and needed when a patient has significant tartar buildup. Often, this can happen if a patient has not had a cleaning in a long time or when their at-home oral hygiene routine is not effective enough.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is also a type of deep dental cleaning, used when there is plaque and tartar buildup underneath the gum line and in the periodontal pockets. Often, this procedure is recommended for people with gum disease.
During the procedure, apart from removing the buildup from underneath the gum line, your dentist will also use special instruments to make the roots of your teeth smoother. This will prompt the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth and discourage further plaque and tartar buildup underneath the gum line.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal maintenance is typically done more frequently than routine cleanings—every 3 to 4 months. This procedure aims to keep infection of the gum tissue at bay and prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
Why Do You Need Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride treatment is not a necessary part of professional dental cleaning. However, we highly recommend opting for this procedure. Fluoride is proven to remineralize the enamel of teeth, making them more resilient to bacteria and decay. Also, it helps to restrain bacterial growth in the mouth. A fluoride treatment can be especially effective after a professional cleaning, as the teeth are free of plaque and tartar, which will allow fluoride to penetrate the enamel better.
Get a Professional Dental Cleaning at OC Dental Specialists
Remember that regular dental cleanings are a key part of an effective oral and general health care routine. Do not put off your appointment with an experienced dentist at the OC Dental Specialists office. Our hygienists look forward to your visit.