How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Regular cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that brushing misses. Regular cleanings help maintain healthy teeth, fresh breath, and prevent cavities and gum disease. They also allow for early detection of potential issues, helping you avoid costly treatments. We recommend a cleaning every six months for most patients, though some may need more frequent visits. For those with severe tooth decay or gum disease, cleanings every three months are advised to manage and improve your oral health.
Types of Dental Cleanings
There are four types of dental cleanings:
- Prophylaxis cleaning: This involves scraping of the tartar and plaque from around the teeth.
- Scaling and root planing: Also known as deep cleaning, it deals with gum disease by cleaning the teeth and gum line crevices.
- Periodontal maintenance cleaning: This follow-up procedure manages gum disease.
- Gross debridement: This is a first approach for individuals with heavy accumulation of plaque and tartar.