How often should you get your teeth cleaned? The answer depends on your individual dentist, but in general, it’s recommended that people get their teeth cleaned every six months to a year. Here are three reasons why you should schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later, and avoid missing out on your teeth cleaning near me appointment.
The Cost of Dental Care
In addition to paying for checkups and exams, dental cleaning cost anywhere from $150 to $600 depending on your dentist. In many cases, an insurance provider will only cover up to a certain dollar amount each year. Without insurance, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars per cleaning. So it’s wise to keep your visits short; according to one dentist, 20 minutes should be plenty of time to have teeth cleaned (read: save money). But in most cases, there is no denying that regular checkups and dental cleanings are part of keeping a smile healthy.
How to Schedule a Dental Cleaning Appointment
If you have a dentist, contact him or her to set up an appointment. If you don’t have a dentist, consider using an online service like ZocDoc to find one nearby. It’s worth it: The American Dental Association recommends cleaning your teeth twice a year and flossing once daily. But know that your dentist may recommend more frequent cleaning if you have certain issues—in which case getting regular cleanings will help catch those before they turn into bigger problems that require more time and money to fix.
What Happens During Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are a part of regular dental care that focuses on removing dental plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth. During a cleaning, your dentist or hygienist removes hardened plaque and tartar from places in your mouth that you can’t reach with toothbrushes or floss. A special scaling instrument is usedto remove any hard or soft deposits so they don’t damage healthy tooth enamel. After teeth are clean and polish, fluoride is applied to help protect them against decay. Many people have dental cleanings every six months—or even more often if you have sensitive teeth—but some dentists recommend only having cleanings once every year.
The Importance of Dental Hygiene
Dental cleaning can be a hassle and a cost, but it’s so worth it! When you brush your teeth properly and get regular cleanings, you avoid cavities, gingivitis, and other mouth-related issues. These types of health concerns not only affect your smile but also your overall oral health. Here are some of our favorite reasons to keep up with dental hygiene
The Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings
The best reason to get your teeth clean by a dentist is that it will lead to healthier teeth and gums. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, plaque buildup on your teeth can cause gum disease, which can weaken your gums and lead to tooth loss. The American Dental Association recommends getting a cleaning every six months if you are at least 12 years old. If you have signs of periodontal disease, though, or if you smoke or drink often, twice-yearly cleanings may be in order. Since some dental insurance plans don’t cover cleanings and others require a copayment (typically $25), visit a dentist who offers affordable prices for cleanings.
