How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

01Why "every six months" is only a starting point

You have probably heard that you should see the dentist twice a year. For many people with healthy teeth and gums, that works well. But the American Dental Association recommends that the timing of your visits be set by your dentist, based on your own needs.

Some people need to come in more often. A few may be able to go a little longer.

The right schedule depends on how quickly plaque and tartar build up in your mouth, the health of your gums, your risk of cavities, and your general health.

02What a cleaning removes

Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. Brushing and flossing remove most of it. The plaque you miss can harden into tartar, also called calculus.

Tartar sticks tightly to teeth, often along and below the gum line. You cannot brush it off at home. It has to be removed with dental instruments.

Left alone, tartar keeps irritating the gums. That irritation can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can cause red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush. The good news is that it can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better daily care at home.

03Who may need cleanings more often

Your dentist may suggest visits every three or four months if you:

• Have or have had gum disease
• Build up tartar quickly, even with good brushing
• Get cavities often
• Have diabetes, which is closely linked to gum health
• Smoke or use other tobacco
• Are pregnant, since hormone changes can make gums more likely to swell and bleed
• Have a dry mouth, often from medicines
• Wear braces or have bridges or other work that is harder to keep clean

If you have been treated for gum disease, regular follow-up cleanings are a key part of keeping it under control. Learn more about gum disease treatment.

04What happens at a cleaning and exam

1. Review. You share any changes in your health or medicines and any concerns about your teeth.
2. Cleaning. Plaque and tartar are removed from all tooth surfaces, including along the gum line. Teeth are then polished.
3. Gum check. The gums are checked for bleeding and for pockets, which are small spaces that can form between gums and teeth when gum disease is present.
4. X-rays, if needed. These are not taken at every visit. How often depends on your age and risk.
5. Exam. The dentist checks for cavities, cracked or worn teeth, problems with old fillings, and anything unusual in your mouth.

05Signs you should not wait for your next cleaning

Call sooner than your regular visit if you notice:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Bad breath that does not go away
• Gums that look like they are pulling away from your teeth
• A loose adult tooth
• A tooth that is sensitive or painful

06Making your cleanings easier

What you do at home changes what happens in the chair. Less plaque means less tartar, and less tartar means a quicker, more comfortable cleaning.

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another cleaner your dentist suggests.
• Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles fray.

07Cleanings for children

Children should see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. After that, regular checkups help catch cavities early and build good habits. Americana Family Dental is a family practice and sees patients of all ages.

08Scheduling your next cleaning

If you are not sure when you last had a cleaning, it is probably time. Dr. Wael Sadek will look at your gums and teeth and recommend a schedule that fits you. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, and accepts dental insurance and CareCredit.

Call the office to check whether your plan is accepted. Read more about teeth cleanings and exams at our Orlando office, or call (407) 850-0133.

Next step: teeth cleanings and exams at our Orlando office. We see patients from across south Orlando — see areas we serve and drive times.