You may already be aware of how crucial it is to get your teeth cleaned regularly, but you may be unaware of the optimal frequency of cleanings to maintain the healthiest possible teeth. This blog post will explain the frequency of dental cleanings advised at dental practice in Bethesda, MD, and their suggested benefits.
The American Dental Association
Rather than offering a universal suggestion, the American Dental Association states that individuals at higher risk should have more regular cleanings, while those at lower risk do not require as frequent cleanings. Additionally, according to the group, the greatest way for patients to achieve and maintain good dental health is through tailored oral care. To establish a cleaning plan that is suitable for their dental needs, patients are advised to collaborate closely with their dentist.
Common Practice
Dentists advise receiving professional tooth cleanings for the majority of their patients twice a year, or once every six months. Additionally, most patients have always followed the standard that most insurance companies have relied on, which is to pay for two teeth cleanings annually. It was not decided upon at random to space out cleanings by six months, as this is when plaque usually starts to re-form on teeth. Plaque-causing bacteria start to colonize as soon as cleaning is done.
Presence of Risk Factors
You may need to schedule cleanings more frequently, such as once every three or four months, if you have a lot of these risk factors. Even with a strict oral hygiene regimen, you are inherently at a higher risk of developing gum disease if you have a medical condition like diabetes or heart disease. To make sure their prescriptions aren’t creating dental problems, those on particular medications might require more frequent cleanings.
Why is Routine Dental Cleaning Advised?
Everybody does their hardest to take care of their teeth, brushing and flossing at least twice a day. However, the truth is that this is insufficient to preserve oral health. Expert tooth cleaning is necessary for several causes:
- Build-up of plaque
- Stubborn calculus
- Prevention of dental issues
- Overall health
Studies have indicated that maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling routine dental hygienist sessions will help you stay healthy overall and may even lower your chance of developing some systemic diseases (heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions).
