How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

If you want healthy teeth and gums, you must practice proper dental care. To effectively care for your oral health at home, you should brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. For most, a soft-bristled brush is best as a medium- and hard-bristled brushes can cause damage to the teeth, especially for those who brush vigorously. It is also recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you notice that the bristles are splayed or worn. Additionally, floss daily and use an antiseptic mouthwash to limit the growth of bacteria. Ensure as well that you use only products that have a stamp of approval from the American Dental Association.

Another way to promote good oral health is by eating a healthy diet, reducing your intake of foods with added sugar, and avoiding tobacco use. Studies have shown that some patients with certain illnesses have an increased risk of dental problems. You may find that if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, proper management of your illness may, in turn, lead to improved dental health.

In addition to at-home dental care, you should see your dentist for professional teeth cleaning.

What to expect during teeth cleaning

Oral exam

Before cleaning your teeth, your dentist will conduct an oral exam. During this exam, the dentist will look for any signs of inflammation, cavities, or gum disease. Your dentist will also evaluate your risk of developing other dental problems and check for abnormalities of the face, neck, and mouth.

Plaque and tartar removal

When the bacteria in your mouth interact with the food you eat, it causes a sticky film to form around your teeth. This sticky film is called plaque. If plaque is left on your teeth, it can harden to form tartar under the gums. Plaque can then continue to develop over the tartar. Untreated plaque and tartar can lead to bad breath and may destroy enamel resulting in tooth sensitivity, cavities, tooth loss, and receding gums.

Your dentist will use specialized dental tools to remove any build-up of plaque and tartar you may have.

How often should your teeth be professionally cleaned?

The recommendation from the American Dental Association is that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year. But it can sometimes seem like a hassle to find time in your busy schedule to see your dentist, and you may be wondering if professional teeth cleaning is necessary if you practice proper dental care at home.

Although you may practice good oral hygiene at home, you should still see your dentist regularly because, even in healthy mouths, it is inevitable for there to be some build-up of plaque after a few months. If you have a history of gum disease, you should see your dentist more frequently to lower your risk of reoccurring infections. Patients with chronic conditions may also benefit from more frequent teeth cleaning.

Do you need professional teeth cleaning in Slidell?

If you need professional teeth cleaning in Slidell, make Fremaux Dental Care your clinic of choice. When you visit our dental clinic, you will find that we use start-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to ensure our procedures are comfortable, quick, and effective.

While we remain closed to the general public as we do our part to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, we will gladly schedule your appointment for teeth cleaning once normalcy returns.

In the meantime, our clinic remains open for emergencies. So, if you are experiencing pain or require urgent dental care, contact us today. And if you aren’t experiencing a dental emergency, but have concerns or questions about your dental health, you may benefit from our virtual consultations.