Brushing your teeth once a day is not enough to keep your pearly whites healthy. You should brush at least twice a day; once upon waking up and once before bedtime. Brushing your teeth is important, and there is no substitute for it. But brushing alone is not sufficient to fully care for your teeth. You should also floss at least once per day as it removes the harmful plaque between teeth and gums.
Although there are no set rules about how often to get your teeth professionally cleaned, most dentists recommend that you visit them on a regular basis. How often you visit your dentist depends on your age, dental history, and current oral health. As a general rule, you should visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning and checkup every 6 months to 2 years, or as directed by your dentist.
Go on a Regular Basis
It’s easy to put off going to the dentist, but regular dental cleanings are one of the most important ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends getting your teeth cleaned twice a year. In fact, most cavities occur in between cleanings, and skipping your appointments can put you at risk for more serious issues, like cavities and gum disease.
Depends on Your Age
Most people know the basics about tooth care: brush twice a day, floss once a day, and visit the dentist twice a year. However, you may be surprised to learn about often you should have your teeth cleaned depending on your age.
While the ADA suggests that adults have their teeth cleaned every six months, that is just a general guideline. The time between visits actually depends on a number of factors, including your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Visit Every 6 Months to 1 Year
You may not think about your oral health much if you live in a city with easy access to a dentist. But even in developed countries, there are still many people who struggle to gain access to a dentist. Unless you visit the dentist regularly, you may not necessarily know about the potential dental health problems that you could have.
Getting your teeth cleaned may seem like a simple task, but there is a lot more to it than you think. In fact, a proper tooth cleaning at the dentist is a multi-step process. Not only will the dentist remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, but they will also brush and polish them. This will help keep your teeth healthy and strong, and it could lead to having fewer cavities in the future.