01/12/2022
A common question for Dentist’s from their patients is how regularly they should get their teeth cleaned. The response is usually: “That depends”.
Most private health insurance companies cover a dental check-up and clean once every six months. And while we all do the best we can on our own, professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, the soft yellowish build-up, and calculus (hardened plaque) we can’t get to. This soft build-up is made up of billions of different types of bacteria that live and reproduce in our mouth by feeding on the food we eat.
Most bacteria live in our bodies without causing too much trouble. But certain bacteria in dental plaque, when they grow in numbers, can lead to cavities (holes in the teeth) or gum disease. A dental clean will reduce your chance of getting cavities or gum disease by significantly reducing the amount of plaque and calculus in your mouth.
We know certain health and lifestyle factors can affect a person’s risk of developing cavities or gum disease. Here are some yes/no questions you can ask yourself to understand whether you’re at a higher risk:
*Do you avoid flossing?
*Do you notice bleeding when you DO floss?
*Did your hygienist mention inflammation in your gums at your last cleaning?
*Do you brush your teeth less than twice a day?
*Do you experience bad breath?
*Do you have to wear an appliance in your mouth such as a denture or braces?
*Do you suffer from a chronic long-term health condition such as diabetes?
*Do you suffer from a dry mouth?
*Are you unable to do a thorough job with your oral hygiene at home due to a health condition (i.e Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Cancer, or other disabilities)?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you’re likely to need to see your dentist or hygienist at least every six months, if not more often.
As well as removing the bug-loaded plaque and calculus, people prone to cavities benefit from the fluoride treatment after scaling. Evidence shows professional fluoride treatment every six months can lead to a 30% reduced risk of developing cavities, needing fillings or having teeth removed.
Ask your hygienist at your next dental cleaning how often you should get your teeth cleaned and if there are any ways to combat the risk factors you may have to your oral health!
