Cleanings are a vital aspect of healthy oral hygiene, but how frequently do you need them? Everyone knows they need to see the dentist, but how frequently they should do so depends on personal needs and risk factors. In this blog, we’ll delve into what dental cleaning entails, why you need it, and how often you should get one, depending on your oral health status.
What Is Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a routine procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. It’s the process of removing plaque, stains, and tartar from teeth that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove.
Cleanings usually involve:
- Scaling: Tartar (hardened plaque) removal from above and below the gum line
- Polishing: Shining and smoothing teeth to make it more difficult for plaque to adhere
- Fluoride Treatment (optional): Fortifying tooth enamel to prevent decay
Why Are Dental Cleanings Necessary?
Despite excellent brushing and flossing practices, bacteria in your mouth can create plaque that will eventually harden into tartar. A toothbrush cannot remove Tartar once it forms—it needs professional equipment.
Neglecting dental cleanings can result in:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Tooth loss
- Systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes complications
Simply put, frequent cleanings ensure that your mouth remains healthy and have a positive impact on your overall health.
Standard Recommendation: Every 6 Months
For everyone, cleaning every six months is the norm. Having your teeth cleaned often allows your dentist to catch problems before they are serious or expensive to fix.
The American Dental Association (ADA) endorses a twice-yearly routine for individuals with good oral health and minimal risk of tooth disease.
Who May Need More Frequent Cleanings?
While twice a year can work for most, some individuals will require more frequent visits. If you fit into one of the following groups, your dentist may advise 3- to 4-month cleanings:
1. Individuals With Gum Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, more frequent cleanings can help keep bacteria under control and prevent the disease from progressing.
2. Smokers
Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease and causes teeth to stain more quickly, making professional cleaning more necessary.
3. People With Diabetes
Diabetes is linked to higher rates of gum disease and infection. More frequent dental visits can help keep inflammation in check.
4. Pregnant Individuals
Hormonal fluctuations in pregnancy can cause “pregnancy gingivitis,” so cleanings are crucial for both maternal and fetal well-being.
5. Individuals Wearing Braces
Braces produce difficult-to-clean spaces, increasing the possibility of cavities and gingivitis. Professional cleanings prevent these issues.
6. Heavy Coffee, Tea, or Red Wine Consumers
These liquids are infamous for their staining properties. If you enjoy a cup, more frequent
cleanings might be beneficial for cosmetic purposes.
What Happens If You Miss Cleanings?
Not going for cleanings can let plaque and tartar build up, which can cause:
- Cavities: Bacteria are nourished by food particles and release acid that dissolves enamel.
- Gum Disease: Inflammation from the buildup of tartar can cause gingivitis and ultimately lead to periodontitis.
- Tooth Loss: Severe gum disease can loosen teeth and cause them to fall out.
- Expensive Treatments: The longer you put it off, the more complicated and expensive the treatment will be.
In others, neglecting cleanings for too long may even necessitate deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), which take longer and can cost more.
Dental Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
Interestingly, regular dental cleanings are not the same as deep cleanings:
- Routine dental cleaning: Preventive, healthy gums
- Deep dental cleaning: Therapeutic, signs of gum disease
Your dentist will evaluate your gum health and take “pocket depth” readings around your teeth to determine whether you should have a routine cleaning or a more intensive one.
Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy Between Cleanings
Although cleanings are important, good habits account for a lot of your oral health:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Rinse once a day with floss to dislodge plaque between teeth.
- Use mouthwash to destroy remaining bacteria.
- Skip sugary and acidic foods that can weaken enamel.
- Rinse away food particles with plenty of water.
These habits, combined with regular cleanings, are your best protection from cavities, halitosis, and gum disease.
Conclusion
Then how often do you need dental cleaning? For most of us, once every six months will do. But if you have risk factors—such as gum disease, smoking, or diabetes—you may need them more often.
Your dentist at ProSmiles Dental is the most qualified person to evaluate your individual needs. Periodic check-ups not only maintain your clean teeth but also give early warning for issues that may arise, saving you pain, time, and money in the long term.
Don’t wait until something is wrong to see your dentist. Cleanings are easy, painless, and affordable to ensure your smile for years to come.
