Professional teeth cleaning is a procedure aimed at preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists and dental hygienists perform professional teeth cleaning in the dental office, usually in conjunction with a comprehensive dental exam.
The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist “regularly” for cleanings. For some people, the best frequency will be every 6 months or so. If you are at higher risk for gum disease, you
Let’s take a look at how often you should brush your teeth.
Some dentists recommend visiting once every 6 months for a cleaning. This allows your dentist to take a look at your teeth and let you know if there is anything that needs to be addressed, such as a cavity or gingivitis.
There doesn’t seem to be much research comparing people who go to the dentist twice a year to people who get their teeth cleaned less often.
In recent years, the 6-month standard has been deemed arbitrary by some experts. A 2013 study suggested that people who visit twice a year do not necessarily improve their dental outcomes in a statistically significant way.
The same study found that the frequency of dental care visits should be determined in conversation with your dentist, based on your specific risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis) and tooth loss.
You may be at higher risk for gum disease if you:
Research has proven a
This is a complex topic and may be due to health care disparities and barriers, but it does mean that visiting the dentist regularly affects the health of your teeth as well as your overall health.
There is no long-term research to address the question of “how much is too much” when it comes to teeth cleaning. It is possible that excessive frequency of the procedure could make your teeth more sensitive or damage your tooth enamel.
Repeat dental cleanings can also be expensive because you’ll likely start paying completely out of pocket. Even the most comprehensive dental insurance probably won’t cover more than two teeth cleaning appointments per year.
In general, your dentist should be able to advise you whether you would benefit from professional teeth cleaning more than twice a year.
The teeth cleaning process may vary between professionals, but these are the basic steps of a teeth cleaning visit. The whole process usually takes less than an hour. If you have sensitive teeth, a light numbing agent may be applied to your teeth and gums before you begin.
Cleaning
During this stage, also called scaling, tartar and plaque are removed from your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will clean the most difficult areas of your mouth using special tools to scrape away stubborn plaque. They will also clean the spaces between your teeth with a special technique and flossing tools.
The hygienist can use a tool called a Prophy-Jet, which uses water, abrasive powders, and compressed air to remove plaque, soft debris, and stains. They will rinse your mouth out in the end.
Polishing
Next, your teeth are polished. Your dental professional uses a rotating head of toothpaste to polish your teeth in the best way possible.
Fluoride treatment
To prevent tooth decay, a dentist or orthodontist can apply a fluoride treatment to your teeth. This fluoride treatment can be a paste, gel or varnish.
At the end of the cleaning, they may talk to you about proper dental hygiene and recommend products to keep your teeth healthy at home.
Professional teeth whitening is different from teeth cleaning. Cleaning your teeth can make them look whiter, but it’s not the same as going to the dentist specifically for whitening.
Whitening your teeth at the dentist usually involves a hydrogen peroxide rinse. This rinse is meant to break up stains on your teeth. There are other in-office whitening methods that your dentist may offer.
There is no standard clinical guideline for how often you should whiten your teeth. It is not considered a necessary part of oral health. For this reason, teeth whitening is not usually covered by insurance.
You should visit your dentist at least once a year for an annual exam. Generally, cleaning your teeth will be included in this visit. It is not recommended that you skip this annual exam.
You can practice good dental hygiene to protect your teeth from cavities and reduce your risk of gingivitis. This may mean that you don’t need to visit the dentist as often, simply because you need fewer visits to treat dental problems.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist.
How much does teeth cleaning cost?
Prices vary depending on your dentist, as well as the cost of living where you visit the dentist. It’s hard to single out a range, but a typical cleaning can cost between $75 and $200 without insurance.
If you have dental insurance, one or two annual cleanings per year may be included and cost you nothing. You may have a preventive care visit that requires a copay, usually between $25 and $50.
If you are concerned about how much a cleaning will cost you, call a dentist before your appointment to verify your fees. You can also ask about payment plans if you can’t pay the full cost up front.
How should I care for my teeth between teeth cleanings?
The best way to keep your teeth healthy between cleanings is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. Also familiarize yourself with effective brushing and flossing techniques.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned is an important tool for your oral health. The frequency of this procedure is best determined on a case-by-case basis with your dentist.
You should ask your dentist how often he recommends cleaning your teeth based on your current oral health, family history, and risk factors for tooth decay and gum disease.
