How Often Should I Schedule Dental Cleanings?

If you want to protect your teeth and have a brilliant smile, you should regularly see your dentist for dental cleanings. These visits let your dentist examine your teeth to spot problems that give you pain and to troubleshoot issues that could bother you in the future.

So, we agree that regular exams and cleanings are important. But how often should you schedule these dental appointments? 

Dr. Vildermanand her team at Nataly Vilderman, DDS in San Francisco, California, provide customized and comprehensive dental care. We want you to know what to expect from cleanings and exams, and how often you should schedule these dental visits.

What to expect from a dental exam and cleaning

Dental cleanings and exams are the best way to keep up with your dental health. Here's what you can expect during your visit:

Examination

Here’s where your dentist checks the overall state of your mouth. He’ll look at your teeth and gums, searching for cavities and gingivitis. The dentist will also take X-rays periodically that check for cavities, cracks, emerging teeth, and other dental conditions.

Cleaning

Clean teeth are more likely to stay healthy teeth. During a cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist will:

• Remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums with a manual or electronic scraping tool
• Brush teeth with a high-power toothbrush and gritty toothpaste that remove leftover plaque and tartar 
• Floss teeth to remove any remaining tartar or toothpaste
• Rinse mouth with water and liquid fluoride to remove debris
• Coat teeth with fluoride varnish to help prevent cavities 

While few people say they love going to the dentist for an exam or cleaning, most easily tolerate their appointment. Some patients even love how fresh and clean their teeth feel after routine visits.

Why regular dental care is so important

The World Health Organization (WHO) says 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer oral diseases. 

As you age, oral health plays a large part in your overall health. The likelihood of cavities and periodontal disease grows and you age, increasing your need for regular dental exams and cleaning. But how many times each year should you visit your dentist?

The American Dental Association says your dentist should determine the correct intervals between dental visits. That decision will be based on your health history, particularly risk factors for periodontal disease, including smoking, diabetes, and interleukin-1 genetic variations.

High-risk patients will likely be advised to schedule dental appointments every six or three months, while low-risk patients will most benefit from annual visits.

Keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Call our office at 415-665-7800, or use our online booking tool.