How Often Do You Need a Teeth Cleaning?

The average person often questions why he or she should schedule professional teeth cleaning appointments once every six months. This is primarily due to the fact that most people do not look forward to visiting the dentist. However, regular teeth cleanings are essential to oral health. The failure to receive a cleaning on a regular basis dramatically increases the odds for a myriad of oral health problems ranging from cavities to gingivitis and beyond.

The Frequency of Teeth Cleaning

There is much debate as to what the proper frequency of teeth cleaning really is. In general, most people think they should visit their dentist once every six months for a check-up that includes professional teeth cleaning. However, this is not true for every single patient. Those who have gum disease need to visit their dentist for an examination and teeth cleaning at least once every three months.

Furthermore, those who are diagnosed with tooth decay, those who smoke and those who have other oral health issues will find professional teeth cleanings every three to four months are necessary.

Why Teeth Cleaning is Important

Teeth gradually accumulate plaque and tartar. This formation of plaque and tartar even occurs on the teeth of those who brush and floss every single day. It also occurs on the teeth of people who eat a vegan diet, the teeth of smokers and the teeth of those with perfectly healthy gums.

Thus, this is precisely why everyone needs teeth cleanings at least once every six months at a bare minimum. Such regular visits will help prevent the heavy buildup of tartar and plaque.

A DIY (do it yourself) Approach to Teeth Cleaning Will Not Suffice

The regular use of toothpaste and floss will only do so much to keep teeth clean. We must professionally clean teeth with the specialized oral healthcare tools available at our office. These tools are the sole means of cleaning plaque and tartar off teeth and reducing the odds of tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health ailments.

Tartar and plaque usually form within the mouth at a different rate for each patient. In some instances, it takes merely a couple of weeks for tartar to form on teeth, even after undergoing a thorough professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning eliminates most of the bacteria that causes the formation of plaque. Yet the unsavory truth is it takes a mere 48 hours for such bacteria to begin re-colonizing in a patient's mouth. Plaque reformation will likely occur before six months pass.

The problem with leaving plaque in place is that it can calcify onto the teeth. If calcification occurs, a professional teeth cleaning with special tools and a precise approach is necessary. There is no other way to remove the calcified plaque from teeth. This is why those who truly care about their oral health prefer to receive a teeth cleaning every three to six months. When in doubt, lean toward the side of a teeth cleaning on a regular basis, just to make sure the plaque and tartar on your teeth are eliminated before it has the chance to calcify.