If someone told you that routine preventative dental visits could help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime, would you take the time to prioritize these trips to your Glendale dental office? Well, it’s true; dental cleanings and exams are an essential part of long-term oral health.
According to Harvard Health, combining a good brushing and flossing routine with regular dental visits protects your teeth and gums and makes it possible to bite down, chew, speak properly, and smile with confidence.
But how often should you get a dental cleaning? You may have heard that every six months is the best schedule, but what works for some may not be the best solution for everyone.
The Standard 6-Month Rule (and Why It's Not One-Size-Fits-All)
The American Dental Association uses clinical studies and systematic reviews to make general recommendations for at-home care and how often you should visit your dentist, but only someone familiar with your unique oral health needs can customize a treatment and prevention plan.
For many patients, we recommend a routine exam and cleaning every six months, but this isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Who Needs More Frequent Cleanings
Our experienced dental team customizes an individualized plan for every patient, and sometimes, more frequent cleanings may be necessary.
Some of the factors affecting our decision-making include the following:
- Oral hygiene habits — Your dental hygiene routine affects how quickly plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and gums. It’s important to brush and floss your teeth each day.
- Health history — If you’ve had numerous cavities or problems with receding gums or periodontal disease, you may need more frequent visits.
- Certain medical conditions — Anyone with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a chronic dry mouth may be more susceptible to oral health issues and require more dental visits.
- Lifestyle habits — If you smoke or use tobacco products, you could be at a higher risk for oral cancer and periodontal disease. We might recommend visiting more than twice a year.
- Life stages — Pregnancy can increase your chances of gum issues, so we monitor hormonal changes closely.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Cleanings
Regardless of how often you visit our office for a routine exam and cleaning, here’s what you can expect when you arrive for your appointment:
- First, we’ll escort you to a treatment room and make sure you’re comfortable.
- A dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, looking for any obvious signs of tooth decay or gum disease.
- If necessary, they will take x-rays of your mouth so Dr. Kim can see hidden dental concerns.
- Next, using a dental scaler, they’ll remove the plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and around your gumline.
- Then, using gritty toothpaste and an electric toothbrush, they’ll clean and polish your teeth.
- The hygienist will complete the cleaning process by expertly flossing between each tooth.
- To strengthen your tooth enamel and protect your smile from cavities between visits, they’ll paint a fluoride varnish onto your teeth. Children and adults with a higher risk of decay may need dental sealants as well.
- Now, Dr. Kim will examine your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work. He’ll also perform an oral cancer screening by checking your neck, tongue, jaw, and throat for any unusual bumps or spots.
- If you need additional treatment, Dr. Kim will discuss your options and help you make an informed decision.
- Before you leave, you can schedule your next appointment.
That’s it!
What Happens If You Skip Cleanings
You may not think it’s a big deal to skip a routine dental exam and cleaning, but several things can happen if you neglect this essential preventative visit:
- Tartar accumulation — When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth, it hardens and turns to tartar. This can lead to increased bacteria levels in your mouth.
- Enamel erosion — The acids in the bacteria can wear down your tooth enamel and lead to cavities.
- Gum disease — Tartar buildup can irritate your gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding. If these early signs are ignored, they can lead to advanced gum disease, which could cause tooth loss.
- Bad breath — Trapped bacteria can cause bad breath.
- Systemic health concerns — When you have chronic inflammation in your mouth, it could contribute to serious health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
- Higher dental costs — Preventative dental visits are usually covered by insurance, and even if you don’t have dental insurance, the costs for these routine visits are often less than more costly dental treatments.
Preventative Dentistry in Glendale, CA
If you’re searching the internet for “how often dental cleaning,” our experienced dental team will happily answer your questions and schedule an appointment for you! At Lucio H. Kim, DDS, we’re committed to your oral health, and routine dental checkups are the best way to help you keep your natural teeth healthy and happy for a lifetime.
To take the first step toward improved oral health, just give us a call at (818) 242-3739.