How Frequently Does a Dentist Recommend Getting a Dental Cleaning?

Getting professional dental cleaning is recommended to protect the teeth from cavities, gum disease, and other issues. Read on to learn more about the importance of dental cleanings. Almost everyone knows brushing their teeth is important for reducing the likelihood of oral issues. However, following these routines alone is not sufficient to protect your oral health, thus the need for professional cleaning. This begs the question — how often should you undergo a professional dental cleaning?

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

The American Dental Association advises that patients visit the dentist regularly and allow the dental professional to decide on the proper cleaning interval that best suits their oral health needs. Their advice is based on a 2013 report that looked at the impact of patient risk status and preventive visit frequency on tooth loss. The conclusion is that the frequency of dental cleanings and exams for each patient should be based on their dentist's evaluation of their oral health status, health history, and risk of oral conditions.

Personalized dental care

Personalized treatment is a team-based approach to dental care that includes patients as a member of the team. The first step in assessing personal dental care requirements is to discuss risk factors with the dentist. This plan also recommends that patients work closely with dentists to recognize any possible risk factors that can influence the need and frequency of preventative dental appointments to maintain excellent oral care.

Frequency of dental cleaning visits

Since dental cleanings eliminate unhealthy bacteria from the teeth and gums, scheduling them at regular intervals will help protect the oral cavity from disease. The main objective for knowing how often the teeth should be cleaned is to avoid severe, more expensive issues. Periodontal (gum) disease and cavities can also cause pain and even tooth loss, which can be more expensive than scheduling a few extra dental cleaning appointments per year.

Patients at low risk for oral disease will usually keep their teeth in good condition by visiting their dentist every six months. Patients at a greater risk of developing oral diseases will benefit from having their cleanings up to three to four times per year.

Why it helps to get regular dental cleanings

Undergoing a dental cleaning three to four times a year will help to eliminate unhealthy bacteria around the gums. While plaque bacteria accumulate in the mouth daily, it takes around three to four months for the bacteria to build to the point of causing an infection. As a result, getting dental cleaning regularly prevents bacteria from causing major dental complications.

Although more regular dental appointments aim to prevent oral disease and stabilize gum disease, it is often important to remember that the dentist is looking for symptoms of more than just gum disease in the mouth.