When Should I Have My Teeth Cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends routine care every six months, including a professional dental cleaning. Treatment helps remove plaque buildup and boost the health and beauty of your smile. Treatment is crucial for patients of all ages, so whether you’re 6 or 60, you need a cleaning. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about how this treatment benefits smiles of all ages in Dallas, TX.

Children

A child’s first visit should happen around age one, right after the first baby tooth erupts. The initial visit isn’t about treatment, and mainly involves the dentist examining the smile. However, we may clean the teeth. Later, at around age three, your child will need to undergo cleanings every six months. During these regular visits, we will clean the teeth gently to remove plaque and tartar, helping your child avoid the onset of cavities. Routine visits help children enjoy a reduced risk of dental anxiety, as they grow more accustomed to visiting the dentist for dental care.

Teens

As your child grows, the need for regular care remains just as important. Teens also need to treatment every six months. As they grow older, we will watch for the onset of misalignment and may recommend orthodontic care to avoid the complications of misalignment. A dental cleaning not only helps them avoid cavities, but gingivitis and gum disease, which becomes more likely to occur as your child approaches adulthood.

Adults

Grown ups need to have their teeth cleaned every six months, without exception! As we grow older, the risks of tooth decay remain the same but the chances of developing gum disease becomes more likely. In fact, studies form the Centers for Disease Control show that half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Since a cleaning removes plaque and prevents gum inflammation this helps safeguard the smile against gum disease. If you have high risk factors for the disease, we may suggest a visit every three to four months.

Seniors

For seniors the risk of periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease responsible for adult tooth loss, is very high. Attending routine checkups and cleanings will be crucial for identifying and managing gum disease, preventing tooth loss and protecting your natural teeth. If you have any questions about regular dental care, or if you’re ready to schedule a preventive visit, then please contact our team today.

Gentle Smiles Family Provides Family Dentistry

Our team wants to help your entire family enjoy optimal oral health with regular preventive care. To learn more about our approach to family dentistry and schedule your own checkup and cleaning visit, then please contact us today by calling 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE) to schedule an appointment with your Dallas, TX, dentist!