How often should I get my teeth cleaned with the hygienist?

The amount of time to wait between oral health exams, and teeth cleanings varies from person to person.

This question is frequently asked. It is not a “one size fits all” answer as many factors contribute to the frequency of professional dental cleanings.  

Plaque/tartar deposits

The amount of deposit; plaque (soft and sticky bacteria), calculus, sometimes call tartar (calcified plaque), and the amount of stain on your teeth is one determining factor. What is important is the amount of deposit and stain that accumulates around the tooth, above and below the gumline. This needs to be removed frequently to reduce the amount of damage it causes. If this material remains on teeth for longer periods of time it will damage the bone and tissues adjacent to the teeth as well as tooth structure. The more frequently these deposits collect, the sooner it needs to be removed. Removing these deposits on a regular basis makes the process less invasive, easier and more comfortable for you. The longer it remains, the more inflammation, soreness, bleeding, and destruction it causes.

History of gum disease

Having a history of gum disease, gingivitis (inflamed, swollen, sore and bleeding gums) and tooth loss is another strong indicator in these situations to have professional cleanings more frequently. When you have a past or current history of oral disease the frequent cleanings help to control and manage the disease by minimalizing the number of bacteria around the teeth and under the gums.

Your home care routine

Home care routine will also contribute to the frequency of dental cleanings. How often you brush, floss, soft pik, stimudent, rubber tip, proxa-brush and water-pik at home will affect how often you need your teeth cleaned by the Hygienist. Soft sticky plaque will calcify into hard calculus/ tartar within 8 to 12 hours. If you are not removing the plaque thoroughly at least twice a day, a layer will calcify and will not be able to be removed until your next cleaning. Once the plaque has been calcified it is very difficult, if not impossible to remove at home.  Also, that new calcified layer is rough and will attract more sticky plaque. Your home care routine is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. 

Pre-existing medical conditions

Medical conditions are also a factor in how often to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Studies have shown that there is a correlation in those with cardiac conditions, diabetes, inflammatory and auto-immune diseases with the prevalence of dental disease. We will go into this more deeply in a later post as this correlation needs to be discussed in greater detail. Inflammation and bacteria in the mouth do not remain confined only in the mouth; it tracks through the entire circulatory system.

Age & on-going treatments

Age and different stages of life are also a consideration. Teenagers and adults undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces) require more frequent cleanings. The metal braces and brackets are difficult to clean around and serious problems can result with inadequate home hygiene. Pregnancy also changes frequency due to the increased chances of inflammation which may lead to tender and bleeding gums.  

Aging has many contributing factors such as dry mouth, dexterity issues causing us not to be able to brush and floss as well and side effects of medication.

How often is enough?

Now let’s put this all together. It was recommended for decades to see your dentist twice a year for an examination and have your teeth professionally cleaned (scaled and polished). However, that may not be the best schedule for everyone. At St. Clair Dental we look at all the factors above and make recommendations to each patient individually. If you have any of the above factors, we will most likely recommend having your teeth scaled every 3 to 4 months. Which means instead of twice a year, you have your teeth cleaned 3 or 4 times a year. Depending on the factors contributing to your deposit and inflammation this frequency may be temporary or continue until your dental health improves. Have a conversation with your hygienist at your next visit and see where your dental health status is. We are here to guide you on your journey to better oral health. 

Follow our posts as we will continue to be here with you every step of the way. 

We are in this together!