How Often Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

Patients at Gentle Dental Care in Edison, New Jersey, receive high-quality cleanings from Dr. Brad Strober, Dr. Cynthia Butcofski, and Dr. Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess. Our cleanings include plaque and tartar removal, flossing, and polishing, plus fluoride treatments for extra protection. 

Keeping up with regular dental cleanings is one of the best ways to protect your teeth and gums, but many people are unsure how often they actually need to do it. Here’s what you need to know about your dental cleaning schedule.

How Often Do You Need a Cleaning?

For many patients, a twice-yearly cleaning is enough to prevent plaque buildup and keep up with their oral health. However, some factors can increase the need for more frequent visits, such as:

• Gum Disease or Excess Plaque: If you have a history of gum disease or tend to develop plaque quickly, you may need a cleaning every three to four months to keep your gums healthy.
• Braces or Dental Work: Braces, crowns, and other restorations can trap food and plaque, making more frequent cleanings beneficial.
• Smoking or Certain Medical Conditions: Tobacco use, diabetes, and other health issues can increase the risk of gum disease, making additional cleanings a smart choice.

Skipping regular cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up, leading to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. 

Why Are Professional Cleanings Important?

Even with good brushing and flossing, professional cleanings remove buildup that at-home care cannot. That goes beyond making your teeth look nice – regular cleanings also: 

• Prevent Tooth Decay: Plaque buildup is the leading cause of cavities, and professional cleanings remove it before it hardens into tartar.
• Reduce the Risk of Gum Disease: Inflamed or bleeding gums are often the first sign of trouble. Regular cleanings help prevent serious gum infections.
• Catch Problems Early: Cleanings include a dental exam, allowing your dentist to detect small issues before they require major treatment.
• Keep Your Breath Fresh: Bacteria trapped between teeth and under the gumline can cause bad breath, which a deep cleaning helps eliminate.

Book Your Next Cleaning in Edison or Highland Park, NJ

Regular cleanings help prevent serious dental issues and keep your smile in great shape. If it has been more than six months since your last visit, call Gentle Dental Care at 732-549-5660 to schedule an appointment.