How Often Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

A professional tooth cleaning occurs at your dental office and is a procedure completed to help prevent oral health problems. Your Dental Hygienist is removing soft (plaque) deposits, hard (calculus) deposits, stains and bacteria build up from your teeth that you are unable to efficiently clean yourself. These deposits/bacteria cause gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis), can cause cavities and can affect your overall health.

Gum disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) is an infection of the gum tissues and surrounding bone supporting the teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is the first sign of infection/gum disease.

Your Dental Hygienist will recommend anywhere from 3 months to 9 months for a professional dental cleaning depending on the following factors:

• The health of your teeth (prone to cavities)
• The health of your gums (gingivitis/periodontitis)
• How much build up present
• If you are a smoker
• Chronic health conditions (diabetes/heart disease)
• If medications are being taken that affect your oral health
• Dry mouth
• How well your home care is (brushing/flossing)

Gum disease is 100% preventable. Kristine
Dental Hygienist