Professional cleaning is recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) at 1 to 2 times per year for optimal oral health, possibly more if recommended by your dentist. These procedures are vital in maintaining oral hygiene and preventing decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Oral hygiene practices at home are important, but professional cleaning can reach tooth surfaces that regular brushing and flossing cannot. A professional checkup with cleaning with your dentist is a fairly quick and painless procedure.
Brushing your teeth is the first step of professional cleaning. The dentist will thoroughly brush each tooth, removing plaque and bacterial buildup that can cause gum disease or cavities before moving onto more sensitive areas like neck wisdom mounts for deep cleansings between checkups.