How Often Do I Need a Dental Cleaning?

Cleaning your teeth by a professional is vital for good dental care. Dental cleaning is included in annual dental checkups, even if you think your teeth are clean. Good daily oral hygiene is necessary, but it is not always adequate. Professional cleaning can reach areas you cannot access using your toothbrush or dental floss. 

Professional Dental Cleaning 

Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure usually performed alongside a comprehensive dental exam. It helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It is performed in the office by dentists or dental hygienists. 

The American Dental Association recommends regular visits to the dentist for a cleaning. The term regular has been translated to mean annually or every six months, depending on the dental practitioner. 

The Dental Cleaning Process 

There are several basic steps during dental cleaning. The first step, also known as scaling, involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth. The hygienist will clean the most difficult areas to reach using special dental tools to remove stubborn plaque. 

Special flossing tools help clean between the teeth before using a Prophy Jet® to remove debris, plaque, and stains. It uses abrasive powders, water, and pressurized air. The mouth is rinsed off, and the dental professional uses dental paste and a rotating head to polish the teeth. 

Why Do You Need Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning can help remove stains on the teeth, improving your smile. Professional cleanings are vital to ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy. During the process, the dentist can detect early signs of gum disease that are usually hard to notice. 

The cleanings help remove the buildup of plaque or tartar that can lead to tooth decay and other oral problems. There is a link between oral health and overall health. Professional cleanings can help detect signs of disease. 

How Often Do You Need Dental Cleaning?

The frequency of dental cleanings will depend on the individual’s oral needs. Dentists often recommend an annual cleaning, but in some cases, professional cleaning every three or six months is necessary. 

Some individuals are more prone to dental issues than others and require more frequent dental visits. Other individuals hardly experience dental problems and can get a less regular cleaning. Your dentist at Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry can recommend the best schedule based on your oral condition.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine  

Every individual should take care of their teeth and gums between dental visits. Following a good oral hygiene routine is essential. Brushing the teeth thoroughly two times a day will help keep the mouth healthy. 

It is necessary to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and good-quality fluoridated toothpaste. Flossing once a day will help eliminate food debris and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, such as between teeth. Using a good quality mouthwash will help keep the breath fresh while getting rid of bacteria. 

The entire dental cleaning process takes less than one hour. If you have sensitive teeth, the dental hygienist will apply a numbing agent on the teeth and gums before beginning. After cleaning, a fluoride treatment may be applied to the teeth to prevent cavities. 

For more on how often you need a dental cleaning, visit Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry at our Federal Way, Washington office. Call (253) 799-1490 to schedule an appointment today.