If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, you aren’t alone! For most of last year, as the country was dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people skipped checkups and or had them canceled for safety reasons. So many people are way overdue to get their teeth cleaned.
It was such a persistent problem that the American Dental Association spoke out in November about the need for regular dental care to continue.
A statement from ADA President Daniel Klemmedson, DDS, read: “At this point in time, the American Dental Association [ADA] firmly believes dental care can continue to be delivered safely. The guidance recommended by the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] continues to safeguard the health of the public. Dental care is essential health care. Regular dental visits are important because treatment, as well as prevention of dental disease, helps keep people healthy.”
So, if you haven’t had a checkup and teeth cleaning in a long while, now’s a great time to get it scheduled! Read on to learn how often you should have your teeth cleaned.
How Often You Should See Your Dentist To Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
You likely know that regular dental cleanings are an important part of dental hygiene. But would you be surprised to learn that more than 100 million Americans don’t see the dentist on at least an annual basis?
We often have patients ask how often they should schedule dental cleanings. The answer is: There’s truly no one-size-fits-all answer.
The rule of thumb is to have a dental cleaning and checkup at least every six months. That’s typically the frequency allowed by dental insurance providers.
But some patients may need to be seen more often—and in cases of necessity, you can go a little longer in between cleanings. Why would you need to be seen more frequently for dental checkups?
Like most anything else, this recommendation varies depending on your risk factors. In this case, your dentist can make a specific recommendation based on a few factors that affect your risk of developing periodontal disease. This includes whether you smoke or use tobacco, if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, if you’re pregnant or going through menopause, whether you take certain medications, and even whether you’re overweight or obese.
So the bottom line is: Talk with your dentist about how often you should stop by for a checkup!
Have a question about your oral health or our services? The experts at Cottonwood Dental Group can help! Visit our website to meet the team and learn more about our array of dental services.
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