How often should you get dental cleaning

Even if you have good oral hygiene habits, it’s still recommended to get professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year.

Why you should get dental cleaning

A professional teeth cleaning does remove bacteria which cause plaque. However, the stubborn bacteria will start to colonize in your mouth again in just 24-48 hours after the procedure. Even if you religiously practice great dental hygiene at home, plaque reformation in around 6 months is something you can’t stop. And if you don’t get rid of them again, they will stay in place longer and will further calcify onto the teeth. If you follow the twice-a-year dental cleaning recommendation, you are less likely to have heavy tartar and plaque buildup that harms your oral health.

For those who have periodontal disease, studies show that they can maintain their oral health best if they have their teeth cleaned every two months. You may also ask your dentist the cleaning frequency he recommends based on your actual dental state.

Brushing and Flossing at Home

Apart from professional cleaning at least twice a year, do maintain a good dental routine by cleaning your teeth with soft-bristled brush twice or thrice a day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three months. When brushing your teeth, use short strokes back and forth in order to thoroughly clean the inner surfaces, outer surfaces, as well as the chewing surfaces. Clean in between the teeth by brushing vertically. Also, floss your teeth once a day to get rid of the remaining plaque, food, and bacteria from your teeth.

Taking care of your teeth can go a long way. Oral health problems can become serious, and so to avoid making things worse, it’s best to maintain good dental hygiene and do whatever you can to keep your teeth strong and healthy.