Visiting the dentist regularly is very important to maintaining oral health. In addition to giving us the ability to catch small problems before they become big ones, coming in every three to six months allows us to remove plaque or apply fluoride varnish to your teeth (as needed) to prevent even the small problems from happening in the first place!

While brushing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing nightly before bed are critically important to maintaining a cavity free and gum disease free mouth, most people develop hard tartar deposits on their teeth over time. This hard buildup, called calculus, will often accumulate especially heavily on the back side of your lower front teeth–you will be able to see it in the mirror if it has been a long time since you’ve been in for a professional cleaning. For many patients, no amount of brushing or flossing will completely prevent calculus from accumulating on their teeth. Once the calculus has adhered to a tooth, it can typically only be removed during your professional cleaning.

Regular visits for three to six month cleanings will keep your gums as well as the bone around the roots of your teeth healthy and strong. Patients who see the hygienist for their regular cleanings often go their entire lives never requiring a deep cleaning or extensive periodontal (gum/bone) work.