Do I Really Need a Teeth Cleaning Every 6 Months?

Yes, it’s important that you see our dentist at least every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and oral examination. Otherwise, you may risk having oral health issues go unchecked until you find yourself in pain and in need of emergency dental care.

The secret to a healthy smile is preventive care, both at home and in our dental office.

Here’s why you shouldn’t skip your next dental cleaning appointment.

Prevent Plaque and Tartar Buildup

Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that lives inside your mouth. This bacteria sticks to your teeth and gums, consuming any sugar left behind after meals. In return, it produces an acid that erodes your tooth enamel and attacks your gums.

If left untreated, plaque will harden into tartar. While you can remove plaque at home by practicing good oral hygiene, only a dental professional will be able to remove tartar. That’s why it’s important that you see our dentist at least every 6 months.

Avoid Dental Emergencies

There’s never a good time for a dental emergency. That’s why it’s important that you keep up on your preventive dental care.

During your appointment, we’ll examine the inside of your mouth and take dental X-rays. This allows us to detect oral health issues before they have a chance to worsen.

For example, it’s much less invasive (and expensive) to treat a small cavity with a filling than a large cavity with a dental crown.

Scheduling your teeth cleaning every 6 months is a good way to save money and pain in the long run.

Monitor Chronic Health Conditions

Keep in mind that some patients may need to see our dentist more often than every 6 months. This may be the case if you have health complications, such as gum disease, that our dentist needs to monitor and help prevent from worsening. For example, Dr. Habecker may recommend scaling and root planing to help patients with periodontitis (a later stage of gum disease).

Likewise, our dentist may notice worn tooth enamel during your next appointment. If you have other symptoms of bruxism (teeth grinding), Dr. Habecker may recommend that you wear a custom night guard to protect your smile.

It’s much better for us to catch these types of issues early. That way, we can help you restore your oral health as soon as possible.

Check Dentures or Dental Restorations for Wear

Do you wear dentures or have a dental restoration, such as a crown? If so, it’s important that you see our family dentist on a regular basis.

During your appointment, Dr. Habecker will examine any dental restorations you have in your mouth. He may also recommend replacing any restorations that are old and worn.

For example, a dental crown may last between 5 and 15 years. But once a dental crown reaches the end of its lifespan, Dr. Habecker will need to replace it before it compromises the tooth underneath.

This is true of other restorations as well, such as fillings and dental bridges.

Brush Up On Good Oral Hygiene Habits

Aren’t sure how to take care of your smile? Dr. Habecker and his team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. We want to make sure that you feel confident while practicing good oral hygiene at home.

In general, we recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time. You should also floss once a day to remove any plaque or food particles hiding between your teeth.

If you still have a lot of plaque and tartar buildup during your next appointment, Dr. Habecker may recommend that you also use a fluoride mouth rinse. Fluoride helps remineralize your enamel so it’s more resistant to acid attacks from plaque.

During your appointment, we can also advise you on the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. That way, you feel empowered about taking control of your dental health and wellbeing.

Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning

Dr. Brenton Habecker is an experienced family dentist in Holland, MI. As such, he and his team would be more than happy to help you on your journey to a healthier, more attractive smile. To schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment, call Macatawa Smiles at (616) 396-7524. You may also fill out our online contact form.