The standard rule of thumb for visiting your dentist in general is at least twice a year, and that’s certainly a basis of a good oral health program. That being said, there are factors involved that dictate whether you should have your teeth cleaned more or less often than that.
The main goal of professional teeth cleaning is to prevent gum disease, which is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults over age 40, and that gum disease is caused by the tartar and plaque buildup in the mouth. Since tartar and plaque form in your mouth at different rates, depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits and other factors, some patients need to come in for a cleaning only every 12 months.
Other times, such as when you already have moderate to advanced gum disease, cleanings are needed every month. If your gums are healthy and you follow a sound oral hygiene program, you may not need to have to have your teeth cleaned every six months, or even every year. Home care is vital in determining this rate of buildup of the product that is partially responsible for gum disease. Good brushers and flossers (determined by the frequency and quality of doing so) of course will fare better and last longer before needing another cleaning.
On the other hand, if someone has moderate to advanced gum disease and isn’t willing to actively participate in a oral hygiene program, it may be necessary to have them cleaned every month. And if he refuses to spend any time taking care of them at home, even having them cleaned every month will not be enough to prevent tooth loss.
It is extremely important to remember that gum disease is 100% preventable, but once it starts appearing in the mouth it is not 100% curable. The rule of thumb for dental visits is a solid one, and even if you don’t get your teeth cleaned on these visits, the checkups are important to check for oral cancer and other diseases that first show signs in the mouth.
Is it time for your cleaning?