25 Jan How Often Should You Have Dental Exams and Cleanings?
One of the most essential components of having a mouthful of white and healthy teeth are dental exams and cleanings. While it can be easy to ignore the desperate pleas from your dentist to come in for a check-up, it is a huge mistake to brush off dental exams and cleanings as inconsequential. You can brush and floss all you want, but without dental exams and cleanings you put yourself and your mouth at risk for decay, ailments, and disease. So how often should you get dental exams and cleanings to maintain proper oral health? The dental experts at University Dental in San Diego provide the answer below, and to learn more or to schedule an appointment give us a call at (619) 582-4224.
Get Dental Exams and Cleanings Twice a Year
Most dental experts suggest that the average individual gets dental exams and dental cleanings twice a year. While a dentist may suggest more or fewer exams and cleanings based on the individual, in general twice a year will get the job done.
Why Do You Need Two Dental Exams and Cleanings a Year?
Ok, so you need two dental exams a year. Why two though? What has led experts to conclude that two cleanings and exams a year is the perfect number? There are two primary reasons that two exams and cleanings a year is the ideal number.
1. Get Rid of Hard to Reach Plaque
While a dental cleaning does a great job of getting rid of all existing plaque, the eradication of plaque is far from permanent. In fact, plaque begins to reswarm your mouth a mere 24 to 48 hours after a dental cleaning. While brushing and flossing do a great job of getting rid of a majority of plaque that is present, it is impossible to get it all. If plaque is not removed from your teeth quickly, it will begin to calcify, making it impossible to remove by yourself. To remove calcified plaque, you require the tools and expertise of a dentist during a dental cleaning. Waiting longer than six months can lead to a plaque buildup, which then leads to oral health issues.
2. Identify Oral Health Problems Early
While plaque is very serious, it pales in comparison to other oral health problems such as oral cancer. A dental exam and cleaning allow a dentist and dental hygienist to get a good, long look at your teeth and mouth. They are not only looking for cavities, but also for early signs of serious oral health problems such as receding gums, oral cancer, gum disease, or anemia. With many of these oral health issues, the earlier you catch them the more effective treatment will be. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist every six months so they can catch serious health concerns early in the process to allow for the best possible treatment.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Cleaning at University Dental
How long has it been since your last dental exam and dental cleaning? If the answer is more than six months, then it is past time to make an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning and exam. University Dental in San Diego has a team of expert dentists and dental hygienists who specialize in dental exams and cleanings, providing patients with an unparalleled experience. If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule an appointment, contact University Dental today by calling (619) 582-4224.