How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Adults should typically get a dental cleaning every six months to maintain optimal oral health. This regular cleaning schedule helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. During a cleaning, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, polishes them, and applies fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel. Regular cleanings also allow your dentist to spot any potential issues early, such as cavities or signs of gum disease, which can be easier and more cost-effective to treat when caught early.

At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Badar and the team recommend sticking to this schedule for most adults, as it ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy and prevents more serious oral health issues from developing. Regular dental cleanings not only help with preventing disease but also contribute to fresher breath and a brighter smile.

For adults who have specific dental concerns, such as gum disease or a history of cavities, we may recommend more frequent cleanings. This helps ensure that these conditions are managed properly and that your oral health is maintained at the highest level.

While it’s not recommended to wait longer than six months for a dental cleaning, life sometimes gets in the way. However, waiting too long can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which can increase the risk of gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more plaque has the chance to harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning.

At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Badar and the team understand that scheduling can sometimes be difficult, but it’s essential to stay on track with your cleanings to avoid potential complications. If you’re unable to make it every six months, it’s best to get in for a dental cleaning as soon as possible. Postponing regular visits can result in more advanced dental problems, which may require more extensive treatments like root canals or gum surgery.

If it’s been longer than six months since your last cleaning, don’t worry! The team at Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry is here to get your oral health back on track. Dr. Badar will help assess your current dental health and recommend a personalized plan to restore and maintain your smile.

While the six-month rule is generally recommended for adults, there are exceptions to this guideline based on individual oral health needs. People with specific conditions, such as gum disease or a history of frequent cavities, may need more frequent cleanings to properly manage their oral health. Those with gum disease, for example, may require cleanings every three to four months to keep their condition under control and prevent it from progressing.

Certain lifestyle factors, like smoking or a diet high in sugar, can also increase the risk of oral health problems, requiring more frequent visits to the dentist. Individuals with braces or other orthodontic appliances may also need more frequent cleanings due to the increased difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene while wearing them.

In addition, people who have a higher risk of developing systemic health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to follow a more frequent cleaning schedule. These conditions can be linked to poor oral health, so maintaining regular cleanings helps mitigate the risk of more severe health issues.
At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, our team works with each patient to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule based on their oral health history and unique needs. The team will always adjust the schedule to ensure the best possible care for your teeth and gums.

Children should generally get a dental cleaning every six months, just like adults. Early dental care is crucial in setting the foundation for lifelong oral health. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, remove plaque, and teach children the importance of good oral hygiene habits from a young age. It’s recommended that children visit the dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, typically around the age of one, to establish a dental care routine and allow the dentist to monitor their oral health.

In addition to the cleaning, Dr. Badar and Dr. Karim at Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry will also assess the development of the child’s teeth and gums. The dentist will check for potential issues such as alignment problems, cavities, or early signs of gum disease. Regular visits help identify these issues early, making treatment easier and more effective.

For children with braces, poor oral hygiene, or a history of cavities, more frequent cleanings may be necessary. The dentist will adjust the cleaning schedule to ensure that the child’s teeth are being properly cared for. At Midjersey Family & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Badar and the team emphasize the importance of teaching kids about the benefits of dental cleanings to help them develop a lifelong habit of taking care of their teeth. Regular visits also create positive dental experiences, making future trips to the dentist less intimidating.

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 107 Cedar Grove Ln Suite 102, Somerset, NJ 08873. We serve patients from Somerset NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Highland Park NJ, Piscataway NJ, Hillsborough NJ, Manville NJ, South Bound Brook NJ, and surrounding areas.