3 Things To Know About Dental Cleanings

When it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, there's more to it than just brushing and flossing. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and dental cleanings are a must for a healthy mouth. Regular cleanings can prevent the accumulation of plaque that can eventually lead to dental decay and gum disease. Regular visits to the general dentist can also catch dental problems early on before they become major issues. Here's what you should know when it comes to dental cleanings.

How Frequently to Get Them

Knowing how often to go in for a checkup and cleaning is essential. When it comes to your dental cleaning schedule, there will be a few factors that come into play. How susceptible you are to dental decay, whether or not you have certain medical conditions, and your age can all have an impact on how often you should get a teeth cleanings. For most people, twice yearly cleanings are recommended. However, if you are not susceptible to dental decay, annual cleanings may be enough. If you have certain conditions such as diabetes or frequently get cavities, you may need dental cleanings more than twice per year.

The Cost

The good news is that if you have dental insurance, dental cleanings are often fully covered since they are considered preventative care. However, it's important to note that many policies limit the number of cleanings they will cover to one or two per year. Even if you don't have dental insurance, teeth cleanings tend to be less expensive than treating the damage from dental decay. On average you can expect to pay between $75 and $200 for a dental cleaning and exam. Dental X-rays can add an additional $100 to $300 to your total. 

Deep Cleanings May Be Needed

Nearly 50 percent of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. If your dentist notices the signs of gum disease, they may recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning is also often referred to as scaling and root planing. This process removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line. It's often used to treat early-stage gum disease. On average deep dental cleaning costs between $140 and $300 per quadrant. 

When it comes to dental cleanings, there are a few things to know. First, most people require them twice per year. However, you may need them less frequently or more frequently depending on a variety of factors. The cost of teeth cleaning varies, but preventative care tends to be less expensive than treating decay. If you have the signs of gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.