A professional teeth cleaning is a routine procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. This process involves scaling to remove hardened plaque deposits and polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces. Regular cleanings are a fundamental component of oral hygiene, supporting the daily care you perform at home. Here’s information on how often to visit the dentist for a cleaning depending on age:
Cleanings for Babies and Toddlers
Establishing good oral health habits early is invaluable for lifelong dental wellness, and this is why dental care is necessary for everyone, even babies. The general recommendation is to schedule a baby’s first teeth cleaning when their first tooth appears, or no later than their first birthday. This initial appointment is often more about education and examination than a traditional cleaning.
During this first appointment, the dentist can check for proper oral development and demonstrate how to clean your baby’s new teeth correctly. This visit establishes a dental provider for your child, and it helps create a familiar environment for future appointments. Although primary teeth, or baby teeth, are temporary, they serve several key functions.
Baby teeth enable proper chewing and speaking, and they also provide space in the jaws for the permanent teeth that are growing beneath the gums. If a baby tooth is lost too early due to decay, the neighboring teeth may drift into the empty space. This can cause crowding or alignment issues when the permanent teeth come in.
Cleanings for Children and Teens
Once a child has most of their baby teeth, dental visits usually become more regular, and cleanings are usually recommended every six months. These appointments allow a dental professional to remove any plaque and tartar buildup and to monitor a child’s oral development. During these visits, the dentist assesses the transition from primary to permanent teeth, checks for cavities, and assesses tooth and jaw alignment. For teenagers, especially those with braces, more frequent cleanings may be recommended, as orthodontic appliances can create cleaning challenges for some individuals.
Cleanings for Adults
The standard guideline for adults is to also schedule a professional teeth cleaning every six months, helping them maintain oral health by detecting issues like gum disease or tooth decay. Factors like a history of gum disease, a higher susceptibility to plaque buildup, or certain medical conditions influence this recommendation. In these cases, dentists might advise cleanings every three to four months to manage specific oral health needs more closely. Your dental professional can provide a personalized recommendation based on a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. There are several types of teeth cleanings available, and the most common type is a prophylaxis cleaning.
Gross Debridement
For those with more advanced oral concerns, a gross debridement or a scaling and root planing procedure may be recommended. A gross debridement dental cleaning is a preliminary procedure for people with an excessive buildup of plaque and tartar that cannot be addressed with a standard cleaning. Debridement cleaning becomes necessary when oral hygiene is neglected, leading to significant accumulation on the teeth and gumline.
Scaling and Root Planing
Often referred to as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing treatments target gum disease and prevent its recurrence. It’s typically recommended for individuals showing signs of periodontal disease, such as gum inflammation, bleeding, or pocket formation. This process is performed in two stages:
- Scaling: During scaling, plaque and tartar that have accumulated above and below the gumline are removed.
- Root Planing: During this stage, the surfaces of the tooth roots are smoothed to eliminate rough areas where bacteria can easily collect. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and promotes healing.
Learn More About Teeth Cleaning Options
Your dental provider is the best resource for determining a teeth cleaning schedule that suits your specific circumstances. By assessing your oral health profile, your dentist can create a plan to maintain your teeth’s health and function. To effectively manage your oral health, contact a dentist practice today, as they can determine what services may benefit you.