Dental Cleaning
How Often Do I Need To Get A Dental Cleaning
You need a cleaning every three to six months. The plaque usually hardens to calculus in about ten days’ time and by three months most people have significant calculus build up that require debridement with scalers.
Why is a dental cleaning necessary
Plaque and calculus cause gum disease and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The bacteria can travel from the mouth throughout the body and cause inflammation of the blood vessels, which can increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Gum disease leads to periodontal disease which results in the gum receding and bone loss around the tooth. Eventually, too much bone and gum are lost, and the tooth becomes loose. Loose teeth will move and drift and may hurt when chewing on solid foods. If the gum disease does not stop, teeth will get so loose they will fall out.
Plaque and calculus can also contribute to recurrent infection of the tonsils or lead to tonsil stones. Plaque and calculus along with tonsil stones produce an unpleasant odor and are the main causes of halitosis (bad breath).
Frequently Asked Questions
For most patients, it is recommended to get a dental cleaning every six months to successfully prevent plaque buildup and catch potential oral issues early.
No; even with excellent home care, professional scaling is required to remove hardened tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Individuals with gum disease, smokers, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions like diabetes often require cleanings every three to four months.
Warning signs include bleeding or swollen gums during brushing, persistent bad breath, visible tartar buildup, and increased tooth sensitivity.
Yes; routine cleanings reduce harmful mouth bacteria, which lowers your risk for systemic issues like heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke.