The Truth About Your Teeth and How Often You Should Get a Cleaning

It’s easy to take your teeth for granted—especially if you’re not having any issues right now—but ignoring oral hygiene issues can lead to some major dental problems down the road. In order to keep your teeth in tip-top shape, you need to know how often you should get your teeth cleaned, as well as how often it makes sense to visit the dentist in general. Read on to learn more about how often you should be seeing your dentist and what you can do in the meantime to maintain good oral health between visits.

How Often Should You Get Teeth Cleaning

Everyone knows that professional dental cleanings are an important part of good oral health, but many people don’t understand just how necessary they are. An unclean mouth can be a breeding ground for tooth decay and gum disease, so it’s always smart to get your teeth cleaned regularly.

It’s been said that cleaning your teeth is one of those things you should do regularly, but you rarely hear about what goes on during a typical dental checkup or cleaning. The American Dental Association recommends professional cleanings at least twice per year for most adults.

What Happens During A Typical Dental Checkup or Cleaning?

At your appointment, your dentist will go over everything they can see in front of them, explain what they’re seeing to you, fill any cavities (if needed), and make recommendations on how to improve your oral health going forward. If you have any questions about what your dentist is doing or why, feel free to ask!

What exactly is involved in these routine cleanings? Most dentists follow three steps: scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatment. While all three play important roles in keeping your mouth healthy, they also differ quite dramatically in what they offer. Here’s a quick look at each step:

Scaling

Scaling removes hard build-up on teeth that can cause problems with gum tissue or even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. It may sound scary, but it’s actually not painful and typically only takes about 5 minutes per tooth.

Polishing

Polishing gets rid of stains on teeth by using an abrasive paste along with a high-speed rotating tip. It doesn’t remove any plaque or tartar buildup, but it does make your smile brighter and whiter for up to 3 months after just one visit!

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatments use topical fluoride varnish to protect against cavities. This is especially helpful for children who are still developing their permanent teeth as well as adults who have already lost some of their natural enamel due to decay or erosion. If you want help deciding how often you should get teeth cleaning Studio City, call Studio Dental Care at (818)-763-1444 today!