The standard guideline for teeth cleaning is every six months. There are many reasons for biannual cleanings. Although plaque removal is an essential part of your regular dental appointments, the comprehensive oral exam your dentist performs is equally important. Your dentist will be examining your teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, disease, infection, fractures, or any changes to soft tissues. Indeed, the preventative component of your twice-yearly exam is essential to long-lasting good oral health.
Reasons to See a Dentist More Than Twice a Year
Although a dental cleaning twice a year is recommended by the American Dental Association, there are exceptions to the rule. People with chronic illnesses and health conditions may benefit from more frequent cleanings and exams. In particular, those who have conditions that may lead to inflammation such as cancer, diabetes, or HIV, should likely see the dentist more often. In some people, pregnancy hormones may stimulate inflammation, so if you’re pregnant, ask your dentist if you need more frequent cleanings.
Those with cardiovascular disease should also see a dentist more often than every six months. This is because poor dental health has been linked to stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Some people naturally develop more plaque and tartar than others, due to the shape of their jaw (genetics) and/or alignment of their teeth. Those who do not practice good oral hygiene habits will also build up plaque faster, warranting more frequent dental cleanings.
Your dentist may also recommend additional dental cleanings if you smoke, use smokeless tobacco, or vape. If you suffer from chronic bad breath (halitosis), additional cleanings can help.
If you are currently being treated for gum disease, or if you’re prone to developing gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent care to help manage the problem.
Finally, should you develop any symptoms that a problem is developing in your teeth, gums, or mouth, you should schedule a checkup ASAP.
Always Book a Dental Appointment if You Have These Symptoms
Certain signs, symptoms, or changes to your oral health need immediate treatment. If you develop any of the following symptoms, book a dental appointment right away.
- Shooting pain in a tooth
- Throbbing pain in a tooth
- Sudden onset of tooth sensitivity
- Pain that radiates into your jaw or cheek
- Difficulty chewing
- Dark or discolored gums
- Bleeding gums
- Bump on the gums
- Crack in a tooth
- Lesion on the soft tissues of the mouth
- Loose dental restoration (dental filling, crown, bridge)
If you experience facial trauma that results in a loose tooth, fractured tooth, chipped tooth, or knocked out tooth, you should see a dentist ASAP. To be on the safe side, you’ll want to see a dentist if you sustain any type of impact to the jaw or mouth.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam on the UES
If you can’t recall the last time you had your teeth cleaned and your oral health evaluated, it is time to schedule your appointment. Located on the Upper East Side, Minoli & Vijay boasts a 5.0-star rating on Google. For your convenience, we begin seeing patients at 8:00 am Monday-Thursday. Call 212-888-4140, or send us a message to request your appointment.