Untreated tooth decay affects over 26% of persons between the ages of 20 and 44, while around 13% of children do. Untreated decay rots teeth, causing infections, tooth loss, and pain.
Did you know that attending routine dental cleanings can help you avoid having untreated decay and other problems? Dental cleanings serve several objectives, including finding cavities.
Some people purposefully skip these visits, while others don’t go as often as recommended. So how often do you need routine teeth cleaning services?
If you’d like to know the answer, continue reading this guide to learn how often you should start going to the dentist to get your teeth cleaned.
Basics of Teeth Dental Cleanings
Cleaning your teeth is one of the best ways to protect your teeth, and protecting teeth is vital if you want them to last your entire life. You can also protect them by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones.
However, cleaning your teeth at home isn’t the same as deep teeth cleaning services offered by dentists. When a dentist cleans your teeth, they use methods that remove more plaque and tartar than you can at home.
This occurs through the tools, equipment, and procedures dentists use.
During a teeth cleaning visit, a dentist will perform the following steps:
Scrape Teeth
A dentist or hygienist begins by scraping your teeth with a small tool called a scaler. Dentists are trained to use this tool safely on your teeth, which allows them to scrape the plaque and tartar but not the enamel.
Take X-Rays
Additionally, they’ll take pictures of your teeth to get a deeper view. These x-rays help them see the hidden areas of your mouth, including the tooth roots and jawbone.
Polish and Floss Teeth
They also polish and floss teeth during a routine visit. The purpose of these steps is to clean every area of your mouth.
Examine Teeth
A dentist also carefully examines teeth to look for signs of decay and other problems.
Some dentists also use high-pressured water devices to spray teeth. These devices can loosen and remove plaque buildup.
Frequency Recommendations
You can likely see why cleanings are vital, but you might wonder, “how often should you get teeth cleaned?” How often do you need this service? Here are some tips to help you determine the correct frequency for your teeth:
The Minimum Recommendation
The minimum recommendation for teeth cleaning frequency is once a year. If you have dental insurance, it probably covers one or two visits a year. Most dental plans cover two visits, but they only cover x-rays annually.
If you have healthy teeth and no problems that you’re aware of, you might be able to get by going just once a year. You can talk to a Versailles dentist to determine if this is enough.
The Average Frequency
While you can get by going once a year, the more common frequency is twice a year – every six months. Going every six months is better for your teeth, as you receive professional services twice as often.
Most children and adults should visit a dentist twice a year, but some people might need even more visits.
The main objective of professional teeth cleaning is removing the plaque from your teeth. Plaque naturally develops and builds up on teeth.
While you can remove some of it through brushing and flossing, removing all of it yourself is nearly impossible. However, removing it sooner is better for your teeth.
The longer plaque remains, the higher your chances are of developing decay. Therefore, getting it removed every six months instead of one year reduces your chances of developing cavities.
Reasons to Get Your Teeth Cleaned More Often
So, why would people need to go more often than twice a year? There are several reasons.
First, you might need to go every three months if you have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque spreads from the teeth to the gums.
A dentist will measure your gums during your teeth cleaning visits to determine if you have gum disease. If so, they might recommend visiting every three months for cleanings.
Additionally, people with diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses have a greater chance of developing gum disease and other oral problems.
As a result, dentists recommend more frequent visits for people with health issues.
Pregnancy also takes a toll on a woman’s oral health. So if you become pregnant, your dentist might also recommend visits every three months.
Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning Services
If you want to take excellent care of your teeth, you can do two things. First, ask your dentist how often you should get professional cleanings. Secondly, get the cleanings according to the frequency the dentist recommends.
You’ll benefit by doing this in several ways.
First, your teeth will stay cleaner and healthier. Taking care of your teeth is crucial for people of all ages. When you care for them properly, they last longer.
Secondly, you’ll save money. For example, paying for dental cleanings is much more affordable than paying for tooth repairs, such as fillings, crowns, or root canals.
Third, you’ll save time and stress. Getting your teeth cleaned isn’t a painful or time-consuming service. However, getting cavities filled, root canals, and other services are time-consuming, painful, and stressful.
Get Healthier Through a Dental Cleaning and Checkup
You can brush your teeth at home and floss, but your dental office can provide deeper teeth cleaning services. These services are vital for people of all ages, and they make a difference in a person’s dental health.
You’ll be healthier if you start focusing on routine dental cleanings and visits, so you might want to schedule a visit today.
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