Am I Overdue for a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. Nonetheless, many individuals still skip their dental cleanings due to a busy schedule or feeling confident that oral hygiene is under control. At-home oral hygiene is a great way to maintain good oral health; however, the help of a professional general dentist is still necessary at least twice a year. 

Dental cleanings

Below is an overview of dental cleanings, including how often they are needed as well as when an individual may be considered overdue. 

How often are dental cleanings necessary?

Dental cleanings are recommended every six months for both children and adults. General dentists may recommend them more frequently based on pre-existing conditions and other factors. 

Elderly patients should undergo dental cleanings every couple of months, as they are more prone to developing oral cancer and cavities. Some children may also require dental cleanings quarterly, as kids typically consume a lot of sugar and do not always practice regular oral hygiene. 

Additionally, individuals who have had or do have gum disease should be undergoing dental cleanings every three months. It can be easy to skip these appointments because they are required four times a year; however, doing so can be detrimental to one's oral health. 

When is a dental cleaning overdue?

Individuals may be considered overdue for their dental cleaning appointment if it has been more than six months since the last appointment. General dentists recommend dental cleanings every six months for everyone, including children. Those who skip these appointments put themselves at higher risk of developing gum disease or cavities. 

Children who have not gone to the dentist until age three or above are also considered to be overdue for a dental cleaning. Dental cleanings should start as soon as the first teeth appear, regardless of the child's age. It may seem difficult to have a dental cleaning performed on a child that young, but a general dentist can often make it work with patience and extra care. 

What are the indicators that a dental cleaning is needed?

While the majority of people are advised to get a dental cleaning every six months, there are some indicators that may call for it more frequently. Individuals who have pain or discomfort may need a dental cleaning to remove a buildup of plaque or tartar, both of which can put pressure on the gum lines and teeth, causing irritation. Additionally, if there are signs of gum disease, a dental cleaning may be necessary to clear out the infection. 

Other indicators include staining, dark spots or areas on the teeth, and visible signs of plaque or tartar on the teeth or along the gum line. 

Get a dental cleaning today

Dental cleanings are necessary every six months unless there are other risk factors. Knowing how often to get a dental cleaning can be difficult, but with the help of a general dentistry practice, it can easily be determined. Reach out today to get started with an evaluation or to learn more about dental cleanings. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Bowie, MD.

Recent Posts

3 Signs You May Need A Dental Deep Cleaning

A dental deep cleaning is an in-depth cleaning procedure that is typically done by a dentist who offers periodontal services. These cleanings are called "deep cleanings" because they go much deeper beneath the soft tissues than a traditional cleaning would. During a dental deep cleaning, a general dentist will scrape beneath the gum tissues and…

Why Is An X-ray Sometimes Included In A Teeth Cleaning?

A professional teeth cleaning is a necessary part of general dentistry care, but there are other important components, such as X-rays and examinations. X-rays are essential for a number of reasons, although they are not required nearly as often as routine teeth cleanings. Keep reading to find out more about the importance of X-rays. Below is…

How Many Types Of Professional Dental Cleanings Are Available?

A dental cleaning from a professional helps individuals of all ages to maintain good oral health. There are different dental cleanings that may be required, based on the patient's health history as well as any risks that pose a threat to oral health. General dentists can perform evaluations to determine what type of cleanings are…

What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning

Wondering what happens when getting a dental cleaning? Preventive dentistry is important when it comes to caring for one's teeth in order to keep them healthy. One form of preventive dentistry includes routine dental cleanings.Many people who have never undergone a professional dental cleaning want to know what to expect. This way, they are more…

Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS

Share
Published by
Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS

Recent Posts

Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth…

2 weeks ago

Endodontics Aftercare Steps

However, patients also need to be cautious when cleaning and flossing their teeth to avoid…

3 weeks ago

What Treatments Are Involved in Periodontics?

Periodontics focuses on diagnosing and treating issues that affect gum tissues and the other structures…

1 month ago

Teeth Whitening 101: What is the Ideal Shade of White?

Professional teeth whitening treatments are the ideal way to get teeth whitened and they lead…

2 months ago

Getting a Dental Bridge with Your Supporting Teeth

A bridge might be your best option if you have one tooth that's damaged or…

2 months ago

Invisalign Treatment Can Align Your Teeth

Invisalign® treatment can be used to gradually align your teeth through plastic trays that your…

3 months ago