How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

Many of my Peoria, IL patients have wondered about the recommended frequency of this dental service.

Twice a year is what Most dentists and the American Dental Association recommend. 

Almost all insurance plans cover this service, called a prophylaxis, every six months or two per calendar year. 

People who are cavity prone should have their teeth cleaned and checked at least twice a year, possibly more frequently. 

Discussions about improving diet and fluoride therapy can lessen or even eliminate future cavities.

What happens during a teeth cleaning?

The dentist or dental hygienist will ask if you're having any issues with your teeth, to get an update on your overall dental health. If you aren't experiencing any problems, the cleaning process will begin.

During the cleaning procedure, they will remove plaque, calculus (tartar), any stain, and polish your teeth.

Sometimes fluoride varnish is applied to help prevent cavities. 

Teeth cleaning is combined with oral examination.

What is examined during a teeth cleaning visit?

(1) Teeth. The teeth are checked for any defective restorations (fillings or crowns) and defects as fractures (cracks), cavities, weak areas of enamel. 

(2) Gums. The gums are checked for periodontal health. This includes periodontal probing and noting any loss of gum tissue and bone. 

(3) Soft mouth tissue. The dentist and hygienist will inspect soft tissue in the mouth, including the palate (roof of the mouth), tongue, floor of the mouth, and lips and cheek tissue inside the mouth. 

(4) Oral cancer. The patient is not only checked for cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but also for any signs of oral cancer. 

I have seen a few patients in my practice that had a non-painful ulceration on the side of their tongue or floor of the mouth. These patients were referred for a biopsy and were treated for squamous cell carcinoma. If this condition is diagnosed and treated early, the prognosis can be favorable.

How to keep your teeth clean at home.

I have patients that have excellent oral hygiene by flossing and brushing daily. Some of these patients never have cavities and have excellent periodontal health. Some of these patients only need to have their teeth cleaned every nine months or twelve months. 

Beverage stain removal.

Most patients like the feel and look of their teeth after their teeth are cleaned. Some people seem to accumulate stain on their teeth, often from tea and coffee. Even though the stain does not cause periodontal disease, many people desire to have their teeth cleaned every three to four months to remove the stain.

Some patients need more frequent teeth cleaning.

There are people, myself included, who seem to produce more calculus (tartar) on their teeth than normal, even with daily flossing and brushing. 

For these people, it is recommended that they have their teeth cleaned every three to four months. I myself have my teeth cleaned every three months. 

People who have had periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), usually need their teeth cleaned every three to four months. 

With regular periodontal maintenance, the gum pockets can shrink and the gums become healthier. 

Some patients even need to have their teeth cleaned every two months.

It is best for each person to ask his/her hygienist and/or dentist for the time of the next recall maintenance visit. By discussing the patient’s oral health, a recommended time for the next visit can be determined.