Why Professional Teeth Cleaning (periodontal therapy) Is Important
Even if you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, you will not be able to clean all of the plaque in your mouth. That is where a professional teeth cleaning comes in. A professional teeth cleaning removes all of the plaque (the soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth) and calculus (hardened plaque on your teeth).
So, why is it essential to get rid of all the plaque in your mouth? When there are less plaque and calculus present in your mouth the chances of developing cavities and gum disease significantly decrease. Remember that it’s smarter to prevent oral health problems rather than treat them when they arise. Regular teeth cleanings every 3 months from a knowledgeable professional, like Dr. Amin Samadian, is the best way to keep your dental health in check. In addition to the teeth cleaning, you’ll also be aware of problems early on and won’t have to worry about any extensive dental treatments in the future.
When you receive professional periodontal therapy the maturation cycle of the periodontal plaque will be disrupted and the bacteria won’t evolve into periodontal pathogenic bacteria for another 3 months since they have to restart their maturation cycle all over again. So by coming to your dental appointments every 3 months, you get a chance to always prevent your dental plaque to mature. Periodontal disease is a very slowly progressing disease and it’s very easy to neglect it. Also considering the fact that 95% of the periodontal disease is undiagnosed, even for patients who go to a dentist regularly, they might not know that they have it. Therefore Dr. Samadian suggests that every patient visits their dentist once every 3 months.
How Often Should You Receive Teeth Cleanings (periodontal therapy)
In most cases, dental insurance plans cover professional teeth cleanings every 6 months. The reality is that most patients require teeth cleanings every three months. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, for example, more frequent cleanings can lower your risk for gum disease. Never let your insurance dictate what treatment you need. Always follow science.
If you’re on blood thinners or taking other medications such as drugs for osteoporosis, you may also benefit from cleanings every 3 months. In addition, if you have dry mouth, snack on sweets often, avoid flossing, have an appliance such as braces or retainer, or need new cavities filled every time you visit the dentist, you’ll likely need cleanings every 3 months as well. In addition to regular cleanings, you should brush your teeth when you wake up and before you go to sleep every evening. Dr. Amin Samadian also suggests avoiding sugary drinks and foods.
