How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

Team General Dentistry

Good oral hygiene starts with brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and using mouthwash as needed. But is that enough to get your teeth truly clean? According to the American Dental Association, visits to the dentist every six months are recommended for optimal dental health. An oral exam and dental cleaning twice a year are one of the best ways to not only keep your teeth clean, but also to prevent cavities and gum disease.

What’s Involved with Teeth Cleaning?

Dental cleaning, also known as oral prophylaxis, is part of a comprehensive dental evaluation. During a cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of your teeth. Here at Dr. Roisman’s office, we are equipped with a state-of-the-art ultrasonic system that makes quick and pain-free work of loosening tartar. Any remaining deposits are then carefully removed with handheld tools and teeth are polished, which creates a smooth surface that guards against new plaque and tartar build-up.

Why Is It So Important to Get My Teeth Cleaned Every 6 Months?

Now that we fully understand what goes into getting your teeth cleaned, you may be wondering why it’s so important to have this dental care procedure done every six months – and why it’s not enough to just keep up with cleaning on your own at home. 

Fundamentally, taking great care to maintain your oral health is intrinsic to your overall health and well-being. When you have a healthy mouth free of bacteria, infection or inflammation, it helps prevent the spread of germs and illness. Keeping your oral health in tip-top shape also helps you to enjoy healthy, nourishing foods and contributes to a boost in self-confidence. 

Visiting the dentist for check-ups and a cleaning every six months ensures that we can keep track of the connection between the mouth and the body as it relates to your overall health. Trained experts know how to spot the signs of more significant concerns such as oral cancer, bruxism or teeth grinding, sleep apnea and gum disease.

Research is continuing to evolve and advance, but studies have shown gum disease and other associated health risks, including diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and even other types of cancer throughout the body, may be linked. There is also ongoing research exploring the possible correlation between gum disease and heart disease, memory and low birth weight or preterm babies. The surprising list of seemingly unrelated conditions that may be tied to oral health can be mystifying, but regular exams are your best defense against gum disease and potential related issues that could compromise your overall health.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Don’t put off that cleaning any longer – give our office a call today to keep up with your healthy habits and excellent oral hygiene. Dr. Roisman provides expert, non-judgmental dental care using the latest technology. Our office is conveniently located in Westport and is designed to offer patients a comfortable, relaxing environment. Contact us now at 203-227-6338 to schedule your next exam or request an appointment online.