A dental prophylaxis, or dental cleaning, is an important routine preventative measure in which a dental hygienist will clean your teeth, check the health of your gums, screen for oral cancer, and take x-rays if necessary. After your cleaning appointment, your dentist will also perform an oral exam to check for cavities, potential pathology, or any other concerns you may have.
The frequency of needing a professional teeth cleaning appointment is not a “one size fits all” situation. Some patients need to see their dentist for a cleaning appointment twice a year. However, certain patients should follow a different schedule. If your teeth and gums are very healthy, you may not need to go as often and can get away with having one cleaning a year. On the other hand, if you have a high risk of gum disease, you may need to be seen for a cleaning more often.
For patients with gum disease or a high decay rate, it may be recommended that you be seen for a dental cleaning appointment more frequently. Patients with periodontal disease (gum disease) are often put on a schedule to come every three to four months instead of six months. Pregnant women and those with diabetes or a weakened immune system may also need to be seen more than just twice a year.
Depending on which category you fall into will determine the frequency in which you should have a dental cleaning. Your dental team will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and bone levels to determine how often you should be seen. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or hygienist what they recommend for you!
If you are in the Kinston, NC area and looking for a dentist, please contact us at Carlyle Dental! We would be happy to serve your dental needs.