Only 63% of adults over the age of 18 have visited the dentist in the last year. While this sounds like a decent statistic, it’s actually saying that almost 40% of adults neglect their oral hygiene. These people have neglected their oral health by not getting regular cleanings.
Learn how crucial dental cleaning is to your oral health.
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Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Having clean teeth is about more than just having a bright white smile. It doesn’t matter how carefully and consistently you clean your teeth at home; it can’t compare to professional cleaning. Dentists have access to tools that aren’t available for home use.
They are also trained to get into the hard-to-reach places that you can’t get to on your own. Regular professional cleaning keeps your entire mouth cleaner and prevents major problems from festering and growing unchecked.
How Often Do You Need a Cleaning?
The standard answer is to get a professional cleaning at least every six months to maintain good oral health. However, some people need to visit the dentist more often. The benefits of dental cleanings are better experienced when done every three months so that you would get four done a year.
How often someone needs a cleaning depends on the current condition of their mouth and teeth, age, and ability to clean their teeth at home. For example, those with gum inflammation or periodontitis should go more often. On rare occasions, some people only need to visit the dentist once a year.
How to Know When You Need a Cleaning
To be on the safe side, it’s safe to schedule a cleaning every six months. However, only your dentist can tell you how often you should get a cleaning done. When you visit the dentist, they will inspect your teeth and gums.
With this information, they will recommend a cleaning schedule. Always follow the professional advice of your dentist. Learn how crucial dental cleaning is to your oral health.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
To make the experience less intimidating, it helps to know what to expect. Your visit will start with a dental exam. The hygienist will give your mouth a visual inspection where they look at all sides of your teeth, gums, and tongue.
The next step is cleaning. The hygienist will scrape off the plaque, perform a deep cleaning, and floss between the teeth. This is more than just regular brushing; it removes the stuck-on plaque that regular brushing leaves behind.
The final step is to rinse and apply a fluoride treatment. This protects your teeth and strengthens them to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning
Don’t wait; there’s no better time than the present to start scheduling a dental cleaning. Even if it has been longer than you’re willing to admit. The sooner you get in for a cleaning, the better.
Dentists are happy to help you get your oral health back on track, and this starts with a cleaning. Check out our other articles for more helpful advice on maintaining your health.
