What you may not know about your cleaning every six months
Did you know that two dental cleanings a year may or may not be best suited to your oral health? It’s true! The American Dental Association recommends that the frequency of regular dental visits should be tailored by dentists to accommodate for current oral health status and history. [1]
Don’t get me wrong, over and over I see regular cleanings/exams make all the difference in helping patients keep their teeth healthy and in preventing tooth loss. Gum disease is 100% preventable. However, oral health recommendations should always be done on an individual basis, taking all factors into consideration. In addition to discussing your health status with your dentist, take time to discuss your health history and habits so an optimal cleaning frequency can be determined.
If you’re like me and like to have concrete evidence before making a recommendation, here it is. A study from the Journal of Dental Research concluded that individual risk factors help to dictate the frequency of cleanings needed per year to help prevent periodontal disease. For those in the study with low risk factors, the difference in oral health between those with an annual vs “every six months” cleaning was negligible. Patients with high risk factors are another story. It is imperative that they get their cleanings more frequently. [2]
These are a few of the most important preventative measures you can take. So, take charge of your teeth today! It’s cheaper and less painful in the long run.
- Be consistent with your bushing/flossing regimen – don’t skip!
- Evaluate your diet. Did you know vitamin K helps to prevent buildup? Include some foods with vitamin k on a regular basis like broccoli, kale and other dark leafy greens. Reduce sugar and empty carbs which increase buildup.
- Get your cleanings regulary. Visit with your dentist to put the best plan in place for your dental cleanings.