How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Taking care of your teeth is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Regular brushing and flossing are essential, but they’re not enough on their own. To keep your mouth as healthy as possible, it’s crucial to have routine dental cleanings. But how often should you schedule these cleanings? Let’s explore why regular dental cleanings are important and how frequently you should visit your dentist, especially if you’re seeing Dr. Amul Patel, a Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY.
Why Are Teeth Cleanings Important?
Even if you brush and floss every day, some sticky stuff called plaque can still build up on your teeth. If you don’t clean it off, it can turn into hard stuff called tartar. Tartar is tough to remove and can cause holes in your teeth (cavities) and make your gums sick.
Getting your teeth cleaned by the dentist helps remove plaque and tartar. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy and stops problems before they start.
How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Most dentists, including Dr. Amul Patel, say you should get your teeth cleaned every six months. That means going to the dentist two times a year. Here’s why:
- Plaque and Tartar Build Up Quickly: Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can start building up fast. If you wait too long to get your teeth cleaned, it can turn into tartar. Going to the dentist every six months helps keep this from happening.
- Stopping Cavities and Gum Problems: Regular cleanings help catch problems early. If you get a cavity or have gum problems, your dentist can find it early and fix it before it gets worse.
- Keeping Your Whole Body Healthy: Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. If your mouth isn’t healthy, it can cause problems in other parts of your body too. By keeping your mouth clean with regular dental visits, you’re also helping to keep your whole body healthy.
When You Might Need More Cleanings
Most people need to get their teeth cleaned twice a year, but some might need to go more often. Here are some reasons why:
- Gum Problems: If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, you might need more cleanings. Regular cleanings can help make your gums healthy again.
- Lots of Cavities: If you get cavities often, your dentist might suggest more cleanings to keep your teeth in better shape.
- Braces: If you have braces, it can be harder to keep your teeth clean. More cleanings can help keep your teeth healthy.
- Smoking: Smoking can cause a lot of problems for your teeth and gums. If you smoke, your dentist might want you to come in more often.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, you might get infections more easily, including in your gums. Regular cleanings can help keep your mouth healthy.
What Happens When You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
If you’ve never had your teeth cleaned at the dentist before, here’s what happens:
- Check-Up: Before cleaning, the dentist or helper will look at your teeth and gums to see if they are healthy.
- Removing Plaque and Tartar: The helper will use special tools to scrape off plaque and tartar from your teeth. You might hear some scraping sounds, but that’s okay. They will clean all your teeth, even the ones at the back.
- Toothpaste Cleaning: After removing plaque and tartar, the helper will use a special toothpaste and an electric brush to clean your teeth. This toothpaste feels a little gritty and helps scrub your teeth clean.
- Flossing: Next, the helper will floss your teeth to remove any leftover food or plaque between your teeth. Flossing is important because it cleans the spaces that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Rinsing: After flossing, you’ll rinse your mouth to wash away any bits from the cleaning. You might rinse with water or a special mouthwash.
- Fluoride Treatment: The last step might be a fluoride treatment. Fluoride helps to make your teeth strong and stop cavities. The dentist or helper will put a fluoride gel or varnish on your teeth for a few minutes.
- Final Check: After the cleaning, Dr. Amul Patel will check your teeth and gums to make sure everything looks good. If there are any problems, like cavities or signs of gum disease, he’ll talk to you about what to do next.
What You Can Do at Home
While going to the dentist for cleanings is important, what you do at home is important too. Here are some simple tips to keep your teeth healthy between visits:
- Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Brush for at least two minutes each time, making sure to clean all your teeth.
- Floss Every Day: Flossing helps remove plaque and food from between your teeth. Do this once a day, usually before bed.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Eating fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can help keep your teeth strong. Try to avoid sugary snacks and drinks because they can cause cavities.
- Drink Water: Drinking water, especially after meals, helps wash away food particles and keeps your mouth clean.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking is bad for your teeth and gums and can lead to serious health problems. If you smoke, try to quit.
Conclusion
Getting your teeth cleaned by a Dentist in Mt Vernon, NY like Dr. Amul Patel every six months is important for keeping your mouth healthy. Some people might need to go more often, depending on their situation. By going to the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth at home, you can keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy for a long time.
Ready to schedule an appointment ? It’s an easy way to make sure your teeth stay clean and strong!