Do You Need More Than Two Dental Cleanings a Year?
When was the last time you saw your dental hygienist for a cleaning? If it’s been more than six months, you’re overdue!
If you already schedule dental cleanings in Nederland twice a year, you’re taking a giant step toward maintaining a healthy smile. But is that frequency often enough to keep problems like cavities and gum disease at bay?
The rule of thumb set out by the American Dental Association is that dental exams and cleanings should occur every six months. Seeing the dentist twice a year is usually perfect for those who don’t have a history of cavities and gum disease. But many of us aren’t so lucky and will need to schedule dental cleanings more frequently.
HOW MANY DENTAL CLEANINGS DO YOU NEED?
Only your dentist and hygienist can establish how frequently you should schedule dental cleanings in Nederland to maintain excellent oral health. But if you have a history of cavities or gum disease, dental cleanings as often as four times a year are not uncommon. The reason is that untreated gum disease advances attacks the bones and ligaments that support your teeth, and causes them to loosen to the point where your dentist may need to remove them.
WHAT YOUR HYGIENIST LOOKS FOR DURING A DENTAL CLEANING
During your routine dental cleanings, your dental hygienist looks for bleeding or inflamed gums to check for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. He or she will also measure the depth of your periodontal pockets—the amount of space between your teeth and gums—to determine if you have gum disease and how advanced it is.
If they find gum disease, they will clean your teeth thoroughly and work with you to develop a treatment plan to get your smile healthy again. Your dental hygienist will recommend the proper interval for you, and this may be as many as three or four teeth cleanings a year.
TALK TO OUR DENTAL TEAM NOW
We know you want your smile to be healthy, but you have to be proactive. If it’s time to schedule a dental cleaning with Nederland Family Dental, call and speak to a member of our dental team to book your next appointment.
