Did you know that people in the medieval era would clean their teeth with linens and herbs?

Historians are coming to realize that the hygiene standards of times past were much better than we realize today. Dental cleanings, contrary to popular belief, were very common. So now that we are in the twenty-first century with cosmetic dentistry, how often should do our teeth cleaning with a dentist?

You only get one set of teeth, so you better treat them well before you lose them! But there's nothing to fear. After you read this guide, you'll know exactly how often to head to your dentist in New York, NY.

Why Bother with Dental Cleanings?

If you are religious about cleaning your teeth, you might wonder why you need a dentist. After all, as long as you floss and brush those hard-to-reach corners, you should be good, right?

The thing is, you can't clean as well as the dentist can. A teeth cleaning at your local dentist office uses industry-grade tools to get the job done right. Your electric toothbrush simply cannot keep up with a dentist's.

Think of dental cleanings like a detailing job for your car. You can clean your car pretty well with the hose and a sponge, but you need a professional to get all those nooks and crannies that you missed.

How Often Should You Go in for Dental Cleanings?

Like many things in life, it depends on you. You may have quite resilient teeth that only need a regularly scheduled cleaning. Or, you may suffer from issues like a bad case of plaque or tartar and need to visit every few months.

For most people, you only need a visit every six months. It's only in rare cases that you should wait longer between appointments. It's important for a dentist to keep up with your current oral health.

The dentist can often nip problems in the bud before they get serious. If they notice that part of your cleaning routine is lacking, they can suggest an improvement during your visit.

Signs That You Should Come in for a Dental Cleaning

You may need to head into the office regardless. There are some signs that may necessitate setting up an appointment today:

• If you begin to notice that your gums bleed after flossing
• If you notice cavities forming on your teeth
• If you struggle to reach behind your back molars or wisdom teeth
• If you're experiencing heavy plaque or tartar buildup
• If you're having trouble with bad breath

Head in for Teeth Maintenance Today

Our ancestors understood the importance of hygiene, and they never skipped their rudimentary dental cleanings. For optimal oral health, you should try to schedule a cleaning at least once every six months. If you notice any of the above signs, you may need an earlier visit than you planned.

Tribeca Smiles wants to give you a smile that you're proud of. Request an appointment today and see what our dental services can do for you.