Why Routine Cleanings Matter

It's easy to put off a cleaning when nothing hurts. But most dental problems — cavities, gum disease, even early signs of more serious issues — don't announce themselves with pain until they've already progressed. Routine cleanings are how those problems get caught while they're still small, simple, and inexpensive to treat.

A typical cleaning visit does more than polish your teeth. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing at home can't fully reach, especially along the gumline and between teeth. Your dentist then checks for cavities, examines your gums for early signs of periodontal disease, and screens the soft tissue in your mouth for anything that looks unusual.

What a routine visit typically includes

• A professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar
• A visual exam of your teeth, gums, and bite
• X-rays as needed to see below the gumline and inside teeth
• An oral cancer screening

Most people benefit from a cleaning every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different schedule depending on your individual risk for gum disease or cavities. If it's been a while since your last visit, that's a good reason to book one — not a reason to wait even longer.