Good oral hygiene practices are important as they prevent bacteria from accumulating in your mouth and protect your overall health. As such, regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is one of the ways to maintain your dental health.

However, this is not enough, especially if not done properly. For that reason, a dental cleaning is necessary as there are areas a regular toothbrush cannot reach. Furthermore, it minimizes the risk of developing major health conditions related to poor oral health, like cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections.

Timeline

Patients are recommended to set an appointment for a dental cleaning at least every six months or twice a year. This allows specialists to check your teeth and gums for decay, damage, or other problems. It also prevents gum disease from developing due to risk factors like smoking, genetics, and diabetes. Regular visits allow a higher chance of detecting these illnesses, preventing tooth loss, and receiving early treatment.

Although this is ideal for most people, the intervals between cleanings may differ depending on your dentist’s recommendation. Some patients with orthodontics are required to visit their dentist for cleaning more frequently, around three to four times a year. This is because the risk for developing cavities and plaque buildup increases when you are wearing braces.

What To Do Before Your Next Dental Cleaning

Keep in mind that frequent dental cleanings are not an excuse to neglect daily brushing and flossing. Dentists still recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride-containing toothpaste at least twice a day to prevent buildup from enamel and food particles stuck in your teeth. You should also floss at least once a day and use mouthwash to kill bacteria that cause bad breath.

Visit Your Dentist

Essentially, there is no standard number for how many times you should set an appointment for teeth cleaning. But the best way to decide what is suitable for you is to consult your dentist about it. To book your next dental cleaning, reach out to Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry. We have highly trained staff members in our dental offices in Mishawaka and Fort Wayne who are ready to assist you. Call us today to learn more about our services.