Our teeth will play a key role in much of our daily lives. Whether it’s chewing food, smiling at others, or merely biting off that piece of tape, there are a variety of uses to our teeth. But just like some parts of our body, our teeth can be stained or damaged from constant use. One of the best ways to maintain our teeth and keep them in good condition is by getting regular check-ups from orthodontists.
However, each one of us will have unique biology. Some individuals will have conditions related to their teeth and will need to see a dentist more often than those with a healthy set of teeth. But no matter how “unique” our bodies are, the build-up of plaque in our teeth can often lead to halitosis, tooth loss, and stains. These can be unsightly during social interactions.
So how often should we go to our dentist for a cleanup? In what situations should we be going to our dentist right away? Here’s what you’ll need to know when it comes to the frequency of getting your teeth cleaned.
How Often Should You Go to Your Orthodontist?
The average individual with a healthy set of teeth can go to the dentist twice a year. But certain studies have suggested a sparse correlation between a; person’s dental hygiene and going to the dentist regularly.
But certain studies have suggested that at least a yearly dental examination can benefit the individual’s dental health. It’s also crucial to remember that a person’s overall health and biology can differ from others. Only dental experts can comprehensively assess an individual’s dental health and how often they should visit the clinic for a check-up.
What makes a dental check-up such an important thing? Well, it’s found that 91% of Americans who are adults have had cavities on their teeth at some point in their lives. This means that more than a quarter of individuals in the United States have untreated cavities on their teeth. The majority of teeth decay and gum diseases present in these individuals are preventable, primarily through regular examinations from the orthodontist.
Although not going to the dentist might not seem like an issue at first, most older individuals should be mindful that there is a link between periodontal diseases with diabetes and even cardiovascular diseases.
When Should You Visit the Dentist Right Away?
Not only do your teeth help with important bodily functions like chewing, but injuries and health conditions that are related to your teeth are also underlying severe health conditions. Some known severe health conditions include periodontitis, gum disease, oral cancer, broken teeth, and bone loss. Some of these complications, such as bone loss, can compromise your teeth’s “structural integrity,” which can often lead to a smaller and weaker jaw.
In certain situations, cracked and broken teeth can be caused by accidents and inflicted injuries, leading to excess bleeding. If these are the injuries and ailments that you’ve sustained, you might want to seek an emergency dentist as soon as possible. These health problems should not be taken lightly since they can cause permanent and long-lasting damage to your body.
Should You Get Professional Cleaning?
One of the most common services that dentists will offer is professionally getting your teeth cleaned. This is one of the most effective ways of preventing gum diseases while helping dentists see any early onsets of severe illnesses and complications that you might have.
While regularly brushing your teeth and brushing it can help maintain your teeth, it can clean your teeth to an extent. Professional tooth cleaning can help rid your teeth of plaque and tartar, which can cause infections if left unaddressed.
Most periodontists will perform cleaning services through various equipment, such as ultrasonic scalers, to help remove plaque around the area while using a mirror to guide their equipment. Although it might seem a bit overwhelming for individuals who have has previous traumatic experiences with dentists, it’s only normal to hear scraping sounds and water being swished around.
So how often should you be brushing your teeth? Well, visiting a professional dentist around one to two times a year. If you see any alarming symptoms of serious ailments, you should see your periodontist as soon as possible. But at the end of the day, you shouldn’t forget to take care of your teeth by brushing them twice a day and replacing your toothbrush three to four months after. Although professional dental care might come with a hefty price tag, it’s way better than spending thousands of dollars in remedying serious illnesses.