Most of us know we should visit the dentist regularly, but life gets busy. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and daily routines, dental appointments often get pushed to the back burner. Yet, skipping these visits can lead to serious consequences for both your oral health and your wallet.
Regular dental exams and cleanings form the foundation of preventive oral care, and most people should get a dental exam every 6 months. They help catch problems before they become painful and expensive to treat. Understanding how often you need these appointments—and what happens during them—can help you maintain optimal oral health throughout your life.
What Is a Dental Exam & Cleaning?
A professional dental exam and cleaning go far beyond what you can achieve with your toothbrush and floss at home. During this comprehensive appointment, dental hygienists use specialized instruments to remove calculus (tartar) and plaque that has built up on your teeth over time and polish your teeth. Your dentist then examines your mouth for any issues that need to be addressed.
Why Are Regular Exams & Cleanings Important?
Regular dental visits are essential for several reasons.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Even with excellent home care, plaque and tartar accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Professional cleaning reaches these spots that your toothbrush simply cannot access, preventing the buildup from causing decay or gum inflammation.
Gum Disease Prevention
Gum disease starts with plaque buildup along the gum line. The bacteria in this sticky film produce toxins that inflame your gums, leading to gingivitis and potentially progressing to periodontitis. Regular cleanings help remove this bacterial buildup before it can cause severe damage to your gums and supporting bone structure.
The dental exam enables your dentist to detect problems, such as gum disease, in their early stages and provide personalized treatment and advice.
Cavity Prevention
Professional cleanings remove the bacterial colonies that produce acid and erode tooth enamel. By regularly eliminating these harmful bacteria, you significantly reduce your risk of developing cavities between visits.
Brighter Smile
Professional polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods that can dull your smile over time. Regular cleanings help maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth.
Health Check
Regular dental exams and cleanings serve as a comprehensive health check for your mouth, including diagnostic X-rays, an oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, and a close examination of your teeth and existing restorations—helping catch potential issues early and protect your overall well-being.
What Is the Recommended Frequency for Dental Exams & Cleanings?
The standard recommendation is to visit your dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning. This frequency works well for most people with good oral health and low risk factors for dental problems.
Some people may require more frequent visits due to their specific circumstances. People with a history of gum disease, excessive tartar buildup, or certain medical conditions may benefit from more regular cleanings.
What Can You Expect During a Dental Cleaning?
Your comprehensive dental exam and cleaning typically include several essential components designed to maintain your optimal oral health.
- Diagnostic X-rays to detect decay, tumours, cysts, bone loss, and tooth positioning issues that aren’t visible during a visual examination
- A thorough oral cancer screening, checking your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any concerning signs
- A careful evaluation of your gums and the bone around your teeth for signs of periodontal disease
- The dentist examines each tooth surface for decay using specialized dental instruments and checks all existing restorations, such as fillings, crowns, and veneers, to check that they’re functioning properly
- The professional cleaning portion focuses on removing hardened tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line
- The hygienist eliminates plaque—the sticky, nearly invisible film containing bacteria, food debris, and saliva that forms on your teeth
- The final step is polishing your teeth to remove stains and any remaining plaque that regular brushing and scaling may not have addressed
Maintaining Oral Hygiene Between Visits
Your home care routine plays a crucial role in maintaining the benefits of your professional cleaning. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, spending at least 2 minutes on each brushing session. Focus on proper technique rather than aggressive scrubbing, which can damage your gums and enamel.
Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush cannot reach. If traditional floss is challenging to use, consider water flossers or interdental brushes as alternatives.
Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria and weaken tooth enamel. When you do consume these items, rinse with water afterward.
Consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce bacteria levels in your mouth, but remember that mouthwash should not replace brushing and flossing.
Signs It’s Time to Book a Dental Exam
Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing often indicate gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease that can be reversed with professional cleaning.
Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene may indicate bacterial buildup that requires professional removal. Visible tartar buildup, which appears as yellowish or brownish deposits along the gum line, needs professional attention since home care cannot remove it.
Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods may indicate enamel erosion or early decay, which your dentist should evaluate. Similarly, any pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums warrants a prompt visit to the dentist.
Prioritize Your Oral Health Today
Regular dental exams and cleanings represent one of the smartest investments you can make in your long-term health and well-being. The 6-month schedule works well for most people, but one of our dentists will take the time to understand your unique needs and recommend the right frequency for you—because personalized care starts with empathy and genuine connection.
Preventive care is always more comfortable, affordable, and effective than treating advanced dental issues. At Centennial Smiles, we’re committed to clinical excellence in a space designed for your comfort. Our caring team is here to empower you with knowledge, support, and the tools you need to make confident choices about your oral health.
Take the first step toward protecting your smile by scheduling your next dental exam and cleaning today. We’re here to support your health—every step of the way.
