You probably want to be healthy and take care of yourself, but it can be easy to forget about the little things that help with that process. Take teeth cleaning for example. Even though it’s a very important part of your health routine, you may find yourself going longer than you should between appointments. Getting back on track is simple, especially once you understand how often you should get your teeth cleaned and why.
How Often Should Teeth Cleaning Happen?
The exact schedule for dental cleanings can vary for different individuals, but in general, it’s good to have an appointment once every six months. Your dentist will get a chance to check for problems and you will reduce plaque build-up.
There are some situations that call for more frequent dental exams. Typically, this applies to people who have risk factors for gum disease or other oral health problems. Some of those risks include:
- Being a tobacco user
- Having diabetes
- A family history of gum disease
- Health problems that prevent proper oral hygiene (cognitive issues or physical restrictions).
If you deal with any of these issues, your doctor may want to schedule teeth cleaning services more often to stay proactive when it comes to your dental health. If you need help deciding what is right, Dr. Jose Loza at Leesburg Dental can offer great advice to get you on the right path.
Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Getting dental exams is about more than just checking them off of your to-do list. While you may not realize it, these important health screenings can help you detect and treat medical issues before they get out of hand. Here are a few of the things doctors can detect during teeth cleaning:
- Cavities: Your dentist can spot the early signs of a developing cavity and help you stop the problem from getting worse. Often, preventative action can reduce the chances of needing a filling or another dental procedure.
- Gum disease: During your cleaning, your doctor or hygienist will carefully examine your gum line to make sure there are no signs of gum disease. They have a better vantage point to see problems with your gums that you may not notice.
- Signs of cancer: A dental cleaning also gives your dentist a chance to spot any unusual spots or tissues in the mouth. Most people don’t have the ability to see into the recesses of their mouths, so they may not notice a dark patch on the inside of the cheek or other issues until they cause pain or discomfort.
When doctors spot any of these problems, they can create treatment plans that will help get your teeth back to a healthy place.
Get Regular Teeth Cleaning and Stay Healthy
Taking care of your body requires a holistic approach and needs to include your oral health. Just as it is important to get regular physical exams, you need to have a regular teeth cleaning schedule. For many people that may mean an exam every six months, but it could be more for people with certain risk factors. Dr. Jose Loza and the team at Leesburg Dental can help you find the right fit, so reach out to them.
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