Routine dental care is a crucial part of maintaining your oral health. While brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque buildup, they’re not enough alone to fully remove harmful bacteria. Regularly seeing a dentist in Annapolis, MD, could help prevent decay, damage, and disease. But how often should you visit? Because every patient’s mouth is unique, you’ll need to discuss your cleaning schedule with your dentist to determine what’s best for you. While many patients stick to the same schedule their whole lives, you may even need to change it up depending on your dental needs.
Common Cleaning Schedules for a Dentist in Annapolis, MD
Although everyone is unique, most patients tend to fall into one of three main cleaning schedules. During your first visit, your dentist will recommend a schedule based on their exam. But you may find you need to change your schedule as you continue to get treatment and improve your oral health.
Six Month Cleanings
Most patients who have good oral health and a strong at-home hygiene routine will need to see their dentist every six months. A professional cleaning can help remove any stubborn plaque or tartar buildup that could lead to decay. Seeing a dentist regularly also helps identify weak spots in your hygiene routine. For example, your dentist can often tell which areas aren’t getting brushed or flossed as well as other areas. With this knowledge, you may be able to adjust your hygiene methods to provide a better cleaning for your entire mouth.
Four Month Cleanings
Some patients may find they need a third cleaning each year. Reasons for this cleaning could be caused by medical conditions, medications, or even genetic predispositions. For example, our mouths need saliva to help naturally combat plaque and sugar buildup. Patients who suffer from dry mouth often also have an increased risk of developing decay. A third cleaning a year could help maintain their oral hygiene.
Because external and changing factors can affect our oral health, you may not be on a fourth-month schedule forever. If you have a dry mouth caused by a certain medication, for example, you may only need extra cleaning while you’re taking the medication. If your oral health starts to change between appointments, your dentist may recommend changing your cleaning schedule to provide the best dental care possible.
Three Month Cleanings
Patients who have had gum disease are often at a greater risk of developing further dental complications. After periodontal therapy, most patients will need to get extra cleanings to help keep their gums healthy. These periodontal maintenance appointments are often scheduled in between your routine appointments. These appointments tend to be a little bit quicker, as most of the time you do not need an extra exam as well as a cleaning. However, you can still request a full exam to help ensure your teeth and gums are strong and healthy.
If you aren’t seeing a dentist regularly, you could be at a greater risk of developing decay or damage. Call our office today at (443) 482-5202 to schedule your first cleaning and see what kind of schedule is right for you.