How Often Should You Get a Teeth Cleaning?

You’ve probably been told that it’s important to get your teeth professionally cleaned to reduce the risk of developing cavities and gum disease, but exactly how often are you supposed to visit the dentist? If you maintain good oral hygiene habits and have a healthy mouth, you won’t have to visit the dentist that often, right? Actually, dental professionals recommend that most people get a professional teeth cleaning twice a year, with those who have experienced tooth decay or gum disease making more frequent visits to the dentist. Dental Care of Morristown is here to serve the patients of Morristown, NJ and help to maintain good oral health.

Plaque returns quickly after a teeth cleaning

During a teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar – with the harmful bacteria that lives in it – are removed from the teeth. This leaves you with a clean feeling when you leave the dentist office, but unfortunately, the bacteria begin to re-colonize in the mouth within 24 to 48 hours. Even with the most diligent home care, the reformation of plaque is basically inevitable. The longer it stays, the more likely it will calcify into tartar, at which point you will no longer be able to remove it yourself, but will have to return to the dentist office to have it cleaned. With a professional teeth cleaning twice a year, you reduce the chances of developing heavy tartar and plaque buildup that could seriously affect your oral health.

Early warning system

A benefit to visiting the dentist office regularly is that it allows your dentist to find early signs of problems that could be more serious than plaque buildup. During a cleaning or exam, your dentist can easily spot signs of oral cancer, new cavities, and receding gums. Other health problems, such as anemia, can also be detected through a dental exam or cleaning. Gum disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, so catching it early can possibly lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Many dental insurance policies cover two cleanings a year, but not everybody takes advantage of these benefits. This could be because they find it hard to make time to schedule appointments or simply do not regard it as important. The truth is though, that ensuring oral health contributes to overall health, so regular teeth cleanings should be a priority.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited your dentist in Morristown, NJ for a professional cleaning, contact Dental Care of Morristown today.