There’s no better feeling than leaving the dentist after a fresh teeth cleaning! Even if you leave the office with a filmy fluoride in your mouth, nothing gives you confidence like a clean, beautiful smile. Unfortunately, different insurance providers only cover dental cleanings every so often. If you’re curious what frequency you should get your teeth cleaned, we’ve put together a helpful guide:
Biannual Cleanings Are Best
Most dentists encourage their healthy patients to schedule a dental cleaning biannually, or every six months. Our office generally abides by this standard protocol, as it is important to clean your teeth to prevent bacteria buildup that may cause cavities and other types of gum inflammation. Additionally, regular teeth cleaning can help prevent and identify health conditions, such as oral cancer, early on.
In between professional cleanings, we recommend following the advised protocols of the American Dental Association (ADA):
- Brush twice a day, two minutes at a time.
- Use a toothbrush you’re comfortable with.
- Use a soft-bristled brush.
- Brush at an angle and include your gums.
- Use gentle, short strokes.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day.
Patients At Risk For Developing Oral Cancer Need More Frequent Cleanings
If you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, your doctor may suggest that you get your teeth professionally cleaned more often. This may pertain to you if you suffer from Diabetes, Facial Melanoma, or HPV. Regular cleanings can lower risk factors for further disease. In addition, making healthy choices at home, such as avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption, can help lower your risk of contracting oral cancer.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Consistent dental cleanings will also help cosmetically with preventing stain permanence. Advanced dental technology will help polish your smile and maintain your oral health. If you work in an industry that is dependent on your presentation and appearance, such as acting, beauty pageantry, modeling, and more, habitual teeth cleanings might be worth the investment!
If you love teeth cleanings as much as we do, they make the perfect present! Gift your friends and family with a beautiful, healthy smile today, at Embrace Dental. Our clinic is located in Sparks, Nevada and we are the best dentist in the Reno-Sparks area to provide you with these preventive dentistry services.
More Than Just Cleaning
After your dental exam is finished, the dental hygienist will remove excess plaque using a scaler. Dental scaling removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth that you cannot do at home with normal toothbrushing. The hygienist will use a dental scaler to remove the debris by scraping on your teeth.
Once they remove the plaque, they’ll then use an electric toothbrush to polish and clean your teeth with gritty toothpaste. They complete the job with a final flossing and then remove the toothpaste and any remaining plaque.
At Embrace Dental, our routine cleaning appointments also include an x-ray scan to identify any potential issues taking place below the gum line. Trust our team to protect your smile for years to come. Reno, Sparks, and nearby residents – contact us to schedule your next dental cleaning appointment!