Cleanings and regular check-ups are crucial for a beautiful and healthy smile. Starting in childhood, everyone should visit their dentist every six months, or twice a year, for a cleaning and check-up. However, this is only a general guideline. If you have diabetes, are pregnant, suffer from periodontal and gum disease, are a smoker, drink heavily, have poor dental hygiene, or are at an increased risk for oral diseases, you may need to see your dentist more frequently than twice a year. Your best option is to speak with your dental professional about your specific situation. Your dentist will be able to tell you how often you should visit for optimal health.

 

A regular check-up and cleaning involves a thorough, professional cleaning. Your dentist can clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can at home, and can remove plaque and tartar. Even if you have excellent oral hygiene, regular cleanings are still essential to help prevent cavities and gum disease. At your check-up, your dentist will also evaluate your oral health and ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. This is essential, since your dentist can detect and treat early signs of gum disease, oral cancer and cavities. If you wait to see your dentist, you may face more complications and costlier treatments, so you will want to visit your dentist at least twice a year.