We have probably all heard that you should visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. But how often should you really get a dental cleaning? In this article, we answer this question and discuss the importance of professional cleanings in preventing oral health problems.
How Often Should You Really Get a Dental Cleaning?
For people with healthy teeth and gums, it is recommended to have a dental cleaning every 6 months. People with oral health issues, such as weekend enamel, a history of recurring cavities, or gum disease, are typically recommended to have cleanings every 3 to 4 months.
Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Important?
Plaque accumulates on the teeth every day and can be challenging to remove in hard-to-reach areas in the mouth, between teeth, and along the gum line, especially if your teeth are not perfectly straight. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which is impossible to remove without specialized dental instruments. Both plaque and tartar are acidic and filled with bacteria that gradually weaken and destroy the enamel of your teeth and gum health, resulting in cavities and gum disease.
During a professional cleaning, your dentist can effectively remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth and also spot early signs of tooth decay and gum disease, before they become serious issues requiring costly treatments.
Do You Need Fluoride Treatments?
Fluoride remineralizes tooth enamel, making it stronger and more resistant to bacteria. Also, it helps suppress bacterial growth in the mouth. As a result, it reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Fluoride solutions used in dental offices are more potent than over-the-counter products, and a fluoride treatment done after a dental cleaning delivers an instant boost to the health and strength of your teeth.
How to Keep Your Teeth Clean Between Your Dental Visits
To maintain good oral hygiene and health between dental visits, we recommend following these tips:
Brush and Floss Correctly
Brush your teeth for at least two full minutes, twice a day. Make sure to clean well in hard-to-reach areas and along the gumline, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. However, be careful not to hurt your gums.
Floss every evening, removing food residue between the teeth and cleaning each tooth on both sides. Be gentle and do not push the floss too far into the gums or snap the thread against your teeth.
Choose the Right Products
We recommend using fluoride toothpaste to support your tooth enamel daily. Also, avoid whitening and abrasive products (such as soda or charcoal) as they can damage your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to bacteria and decay.
Choose a soft or medium toothbrush that won’t harm your gums but will effectively remove plaque. An electric toothbrush can remove plaque more effectively than a traditional toothbrush, so we recommend considering this option.
Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine
A water flosser is a device that cleans your teeth with a stream of pressurized water. It has been proven effective in improving gum health and preventing periodontitis. However, remember that a water flosser is only effective when used in addition to traditional flossing and brushing and can not replace them.
Get a Professional Cleaning at The Smile Artists LA
Do not postpone your visit to an experienced dentist for a professional cleaning and a fluoride treatment. At The Smile Artists LA, we use modern diagnostic, prevention, and treatment methods to help our clients improve and preserve their oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.
 "The Smile Artists")