With the current cost of inflation making everything less affordable, people are seeking ways to cut expenses and make their dollars go further. They may even wonder whether regular teeth cleaning is genuinely an essential need. While skipping a dental cleaning can certainly save a few bucks in the short term, it can lead to massive expenses later.
Benefits of a Teeth Cleaning
Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional regularly can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. This process removes the soft plaque and hard tartar located on your teeth. It also removes the deposits located around your gumline. Having your teeth cleaned can prevent gum disease, which can be incredibly painful and lead to early tooth loss.
But getting your teeth cleaned regularly also helps dental professionals assess your entire mouth area, and in some instances, they can identify oral cancers and cardiovascular disease. Regular cleanings may even reduce your chances of potentially deadly heart attacks and strokes. In fact, visiting the dentist at least once a year for a teeth cleaning is associated with a 14% lower risk for heart events.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
While visiting once a year was the metric used for the study, the standard recommended interval between cleanings is six months. This amount of time is usually sufficient to ensure that any new updates or changes to your mouth and oral health can be caught early enough to avoid major treatment. Dentists can address issues such as cavities and gingivitis and help you create a plan to improve your oral health. It’s also true that people who regularly visit the dentist are less likely to need a filling or have a tooth removed.
While six months is the norm for most people, it’s important to consult with your dental professional before determining how often you need to be seen. You may need to be seen more frequently if you have a higher risk for gum disease and tooth loss. This guidance is also generally true for people who have diabetes, smoke tobacco, or have a family history of gum disease, as it can increase your risk for gum disease.
While some people may need to be seen more frequently, it’s also good to question whether twice a year is sufficient. There is little research into how much teeth cleaning is excessive; it’s possible that having it done too frequently may make your teeth more sensitive or damage your tooth enamel. It’s also true that most dental insurance companies will only cover dental check-ups and cleaning twice a year. Therefore, having it done more frequently can start to be a financial hardship since paying out of pocket can add up quickly.
There are many benefits to having your teeth cleaned – and all signs indicate that having it done every six months is the most appropriate interval for most people. However, everyone should consult with a professional to know if it’s right for you. Teeth cleaning can keep your mouth healthy and prevent or catch major medical issues early, so it’s definitely not an exam you want to miss. To learn more about teeth cleaning and dental health or schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Winkler today!
Gernot Winkler, D.D.S., is dedicated to serving clients with general and family, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. Located in Fallbrook, Dr. Winkler sees patients throughout San Diego County, including neighboring cities such as Fallbrook, Bonsall, Rainbow, and Temecula.