How Often Should You Visit the Dentist For Teeth Cleaning?

When you neglect your dental health by not having a routine dental checkup, you may eventually deal with cavities, gum disease, and more. A dental cleaning is an integral part of your preventive oral care and should be performed by a licensed and qualified dental hygienist or dentist every six months. Unfortunately, many people tend to forgo their routine dental checkup, assuming it is unnecessary if they brush regularly. However, dentists and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. To help you understand why a professional cleaning bi-annually is essential for your overall oral health, read on to learn more from Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA.

How often should I visit the dentist?

Preventive cleanings, every six months, can help detect problems before they get worse. A routine dental checkup and cleaning are essential to see signs of gingivitis, periodontal disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and more. These types of dental concerns can go undetected, even with individuals who brush and floss their teeth every day. State College, PA patients who fully understand what to expect with this hour-long treatment are more likely to have a stress-free experience while improving their oral health.

What can happen if dental checkups are missed?

Routine dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings are necessary to ensure a person's teeth and gums are healthy. A professional dental cleaning every six months removes harmful plaque and tartar buildup, which can eventually lead to more severe dental issues. There is also a strong connection between a person's dental and overall health. When someone's teeth and gums are in poor condition, research has linked this concern to more severe issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. If you routinely miss your preventive dental cleaning appointments, the following can occur:

1. Cavities

Tooth decay and cavities can occur beneath plaque and tartar buildup. Routine dental checkups and cleanings remove hardened tartar and plaque and surface stains from teeth, which can help reduce the risk of developing tooth decay. At the end of the visit, a fluoride treatment may be administered, which can help prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and minimize the chance of tooth decay.

2. Consistent halitosis or bad breath

Dental stains and plaque buildup are all made up of bacteria in the mouth, which are impossible to avoid on your own with daily brushing and flossing. During a dental checkup and cleaning, special tools are used to remove these factors in-between and on the tooth's surface. As a result, patients are left with fresher breath.

3. Periodontal disease

Gum or periodontal disease occurs when tartar and plaque irritate the gumline. A person's gum tissue can become inflamed, causing small pockets to form around the tooth. If left untreated, these pockets allow for more plaque, food, and bacteria to become trapped, eventually leading to bone and tooth loss. A simple dental cleaning every six months can help patients avoid gum disease.

4. Loss of teeth

When you neglect your oral health by not visiting the dentist regularly, you may eventually deal with more severe dental issues, such as tooth loss. In addition to being at risk of periodontal disease, individuals who smoke or have diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis are more likely to have dental issues that can lead to tooth loss.

How long is a dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning usually takes about an hour or less and should be performed by a dental professional or dental hygienist. As part of the teeth cleaning process with the dental team at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, the following will take place:

• Dental X-rays (yearly)
• Scale and clean to remove any plaque or tartar from the surface of the teeth and gumline
• Polishing and flossing
• Fluoride treatment (if necessary)

Are you in need of a routine dental checkup and cleaning?

Most insurance providers will cover a dental cleaning and checkup every six months. The dental experts at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County genuinely care about your oral health and smile. Our practice in State College, PA offers a wide variety of cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry procedures so you can have beautiful teeth. If you need a routine dental checkup and cleaning, contact our office and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today.