The importance of regular cleanings
When you visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning, you will often be asked to make another appointment in 6 months. But have you ever wondered “why every 6 months?”
The truth is, there is nothing specifically magical about 6 months, and in some countries, a different routine is suggested. However, in the United States, many dental insurance companies use 6 months as a benchmark, and will pay for routine checkups just once every 6 months. Fortunately, this is a good duration of time to monitor teeth for changes.
There are times when regular cleanings should happen more frequently. For example, in the case of teens with braces, we often like to do a cleaning every 3 or 4 months. We recommend this in some patients because braces make it very difficult to get the teeth clean, and teens tend to be less than meticulous at times. We discuss this option with parents if we see that the normal brushing is not cleaning all teeth well in our adolescent patients.
Regular cleanings more frequently than 6 months are also a good option for people with overlapping teeth, or who have experienced a health issue such as periodontal disease. When you meet with your dentist, be sure to ask if you could benefit from cleanings at a shorter interval.
Now, sometimes it is not possible to make the regular dental cleaning right at that 6-month mark. Vacations, school schedules, family obligations and work often conflict with the appointment made 6 months prior. And that is understandable! Just let us know when you are able to reschedule your cleaning.
As always, we are here to answer your dental questions. In Mesa, AZ? Give us a call at (480) 447-1903 to schedule your consultation.
