The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist at least once a year to get a routine examination and cleaning. If you have a history of periodontal disease, you should get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent the recurrence of infections or disease.
Central to every visit to your dentist’s office is their attention to your overall dental health and wellbeing. Understanding your brushing and flossing habits will help the dentist advise best products and practices to keep your teeth and mouth pristine. Routine appointments provide your dentist with the opportunity to identify any areas of concern, such as hard-to-reach areas and places food may be trapped, such as around new and existing fillings and crowns.
Flossing can feel awkward and fiddly until you find a good pattern, even then problems can occur with floss snapping or fraying, or simply refusing to go between certain teeth any more. As with any dental concern, it’s important to discuss these everyday issues with your dentist, as repeatedly missing certain areas in the mouth while cleaning, can quickly snowball into a bigger problem if left unaddressed.
Sometimes a tooth has moved, preventing your regular floss from passing between teeth. Similarly a tooth may be cracked, causing the floss to snag. In every case there will be a solution available, such as different floss for narrower spaces, or replacement fillings should something have come loose
The detailed and deep cleaning provided at the dentist’s office, ensures your teeth are free of debris and tartar build-up and afforded the best chance of remaining healthy. Your dentist and hygienist will usually recommend cleaning and polishing every six months. While performing the procedure, they will be able to see if any area is showing signs of residual cleaning issues. The hygienist can recommend new or alternative cleaning methods, to ensure no teeth are susceptible to decay caused by insufficient cleaning practices. Ask you dentist about any food and drink habits you’re concerned could affect the health and appearance of your teeth.
Only if you have a pre-existing condition should you get your teeth cleaned more than every six months. While performing the procedure, they will be able to see if any area is showing signs of residual cleaning issues. The hygienist can recommend new or alternative cleaning methods, to ensure no teeth are susceptible to decay caused by insufficient cleaning practices. Ask you dentist about any food and drink habits you’re concerned could affect the health and appearance of your teeth.
