How Often Should You Go to the Dentist For a Cleaning?

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Khuong Nguyen Khuong Nguyen

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Regular cleanings can also help the dentist detect early signs of oral health problems. How often you should go to the dentist for a cleaning depends on your circumstances. Those with risk factors for gum disease should schedule more frequent visits. For example, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease. Those who take certain medications should also have more frequent cleanings than others.

Regular dental checkups prevent gum disease

The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to go for regular dental checkups. At these checkups, a licensed hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums and check for any symptoms of gum disease. This is the first line of defense against the disease, which can have serious consequences for your oral and overall health. By having regular checkups, you can make sure that your gums stay healthy and your teeth stay bright.

Having a regular checkup is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. A dental professional will evaluate the health of your mouth and look for signs of cavities, gum disease, infections, and even oral cancer. A dentist can detect hidden issues, such as jaw bone damage or tooth decay, with x-ray images. These exams also help your dentist determine how often you need to get dental checkups to prevent gum disease.

Prevent tooth decay

Regular visits to the dentist can help detect tooth decay in its early stages. Known as dental caries, tooth decay causes the loss of minerals and structure in teeth. This condition can appear as a dark or white spot on the tooth, which can cause a toothache. During regular checkups, a dentist can remove decayed tooth structures and fill them with a dental crown. In addition to regular visits to the dentist, patients should also use fluoridated toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.

While visiting the dentist is a must, it’s important to keep your oral hygiene up to par. You should brush your teeth every day and rinse with a fluoride-containing mouthwash. You should also limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. These foods can leave sticky residue on your teeth, making your teeth vulnerable to decay. If you can’t avoid these foods, you can also get supplemental fluoride for your teeth or a dental sealant to protect the back of your teeth from decay.

Detect early signs of other oral health issues

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy is vital for your overall health. Various types of bacteria live in your mouth, and if they are not kept in check, they can cause health problems. Visiting the dentist regularly can help you detect signs of potential problems. These include gum disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth.

If you have a cavity, you may not even notice it. However, your dentist can spot it more easily if it is at the beginning. Similarly, a dentist can spot signs of oral cancer if it is present at an early stage. You must visit the doctor immediately if you notice any sores or red patches on your gums.

Cost of a cleaning

The cost of a dental cleaning can vary from around $75 to $200, but the average cost is about $125. The amount you have to pay depends on the dentist, the experience level of the staff, and local rates. You should be able to get an estimate of what your dental cleaning will cost before you go. You can also find out if your dental insurance covers the cost of your dental cleaning. In most cases, your insurance will cover most of the dental cleaning cost, but it will depend on your specific plan.

You may be surprised to learn that you don’t need an X-ray for a dental cleaning. Some hygienists perform simple cleanings without an X-ray. But some cleanings require an X-ray, which helps the hygienist determine the necessary cleaning level. You might also have to undergo additional procedures, such as debridement, to clean your teeth. However, many dental insurances cover dental cleaning up to two times yearly.

 

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