Routine dental cleaning twice a year is an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. During a cleaning, tartar is removed from the patient's teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay and improves the appearance of their teeth. While some people may think that cleaning their teeth every 6 months is enough, the Canadian Dental Association states that 7 out of 10 Canadians will develop gum disease at some point in their lives. Most patients need professional cleaning every 3 or 4 months, and if they have a chronic condition such as diabetes, more frequent cleanings can reduce their risk of gum disease.
Having your teeth cleaned twice a year by a professional is the best way to maintain good oral health. During the cleaning, the hygienist will use a mirror to evaluate your teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis, such as swelling, bleeding, and tenderness. Regular checkups and professional teeth cleaning are essential for having a bright, white smile and preventing bad breath, yellowing, discoloration, and plaque deposits. Professional teeth cleaning removes all plaque and calculus from the teeth.
However, plaque begins to recolonize in the mouth within 24 to 48 hours, so having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year is important to prevent a strong buildup of plaque and tartar that could seriously affect your oral health. Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss every day, you won't be able to clean all the plaque in your mouth. The plaque maturation cycle plays an important role in why patients need professional dental cleaning every three months. People with one or more risk factors should have two dental cleanings per year, while those with two or three risk factors may need more than two cleanings per year.
If you need dental cleaning or other dental services, make an appointment or come to one of Dental365's many convenient offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut.