How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

If you went to your dentist for a check-up and dental clean in the last year, give yourself a pat on the back. Not everyone loves the dentist, but research shows people who visit at least once a year for preventative care are healthier and happier with their mouths.

Why do I need to get my teeth cleaned?

While we all do what we can on our own, professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, the soft yellowish build-up, and calculus (hardened plaque) we can't get to. This soft build-up is made up of billions of different types of bacteria that live and reproduce in our mouth by feeding on the food we eat.

Most bacteria live in our bodies without causing too much trouble. But certain bacteria in dental plaque, when they grow in numbers, can lead to cavities (holes in the teeth) or gum disease.

A dental cleaning will reduce your chance of getting cavities or gum disease by significantly reducing the amount of plaque and calculus in your mouth.

So how often?

We are all different when it comes to how often we should get our teeth professionally clean. The frequency of our dental cleanings should be suggested by our dentist, who is the one that knows our mouth condition and our risk factors. Some people are at higher risk of getting dental cavities or gum disease this group should get their teeth cleaned more often.

We know certain health and lifestyle factors can affect a person's risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Here are some yes/no questions you can ask yourself to understand whether you're at a higher risk:

1.   Is your drinking water or toothpaste fluoride-free?

2.   Do you snack a lot, including on sweets?

3.   Do you avoid flossing?

4.   Do you have dry mouth?

5.   Do you brush your teeth less than twice a day?

6.   Do you visit your dentist for toothaches rather than check-ups?

7.   Do you need new fillings every time you visit the dentist?

8.   Do you have to wear an appliance in your mouth such as a removable partial denture or braces?

9.   Do you suffer from a chronic long-term health condition such as diabetes?

If you answered "yes" to more than 3 of these questions, you're likely to need to see your dentist or hygienist at least every six months, if not more often.

As well as removing the bug-loaded plaque and calculus, people prone to cavities benefit from the fluoride treatment after scaling.

Evidence shows professional fluoride treatment every six months can lead to a 30% reduced risk of developing cavities, needing fillings or having teeth removed.

Dental health is related to our overall health

Some people with chronic health issues such as heart conditions or diabetes will need to see the dentist more frequently. This is because they are more prone to inflammation and gum disease.

People taking blood thinners and other medications, such as pills and infusions for osteoporosis, may need to visit the dentist more regularly too. These medications can complicate the process of an extraction or other dental work, so regular checks and cleanings are best to help detect problems before they become serious.

People with bleeding gums should also see their dental practitioners more often. This is especially important if you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, known as periodontal disease.

Some people prefer to go more often to reduce the chance of a nasty toothache.

There are many benefits to regular checks and cleanings. Visiting the hygienist and dentist regularly helps reduce the chance of needing more complex and expensive dental treatment later on.

So, eat healthy, brush better (preferably with an electric toothbrush), floss more often and visit your dentist/hygienist at least twice a year.