How often should I get dental cleanings?

Question

Accepted Answer

In most cases, we recommend that you get professional cleanings every six months. 

We recommend this timeframe for a few different reasons, but the main one has to do with the bacteria in your mouth. 

You're probably already aware that bacteria are present throughout your body, including your mouth. For the most part, these bacteria live symbiotically with you; in fact, you couldn't live without some of the bacteria in your body! 

The bacteria in your mouth are usually not harmful, but if they are allowed to reproduce unchecked, they can begin to pose a problem. Many factors can contribute to bacterial growth, including the foods you eat. For most people, six months is about the point where bacterial levels begin to become a problem and can start contributing to disease. 

Cleanings every six months reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth before they hit "critical level" and start doing some serious damage. This is also a good time for us to check for any new disease that could be developing, such as dental caries (cavities) or periodontal disease. This allows us to catch these problems in their earliest possible stages, when they are much easier to treat. 

If you haven't seen a dentist in a while, or if you're simply looking for your new home for preventative care, don't hesitate to contact our office today for more information. We look forward to helping you keep a happy, healthy smile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Preventive Care and Cleanings