What To Know About Dental Cleanings As An Adult

Taking care of your teeth and gums as an adult can be difficult. It takes more than just regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular visits to the dentist for checkups and cleanings are also a must for your dental health. Dental teeth cleanings, in particular, are essential for removing plaque and other types of buildup that can lead to dental decay and gum disease. Here's what you should be aware of when it comes to dental cleanings as an adult.

How Often You Need Them

Knowing how often you need to go into the dentist for a checkup and cleaning can be a challenge. The frequency with which you need to go in varies depending on your dental care habits, your vulnerability to tooth decay, and whether or not you have certain health conditions. While experts do recommend a checkup and teeth cleaning every six months, some people may require them more or less frequently. If you have good oral hygiene and are not prone to dental decay, annual cleanings may be sufficient. If you are prone to decay or have certain health conditions, you may require cleanings more than twice per year.

The Cost of Dental Cleanings

Another thing to consider when it comes to dental cleanings is the cost. Costs will vary depending on whether or not you have dental insurance. In most cases, dental checkups or cleanings are very low cost or free under your dental insurance policy since they are preventative care. If you do not have dental insurance, how much you pay can vary. On average, without insurance, teeth cleanings range from $75 to $200. X-rays may also be part of the exam and can add an additional $100 to $300 to the total cost.

They Help Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is something that impacts millions of American adults. In fact, nearly half of American adults suffer from gum disease to some extent. Teeth cleanings are an essential part of preventing and treating gum disease. Deep teeth cleaning, also referred to as scaling and root planing, is one of the first lines of treatment. This involves a deeper cleaning than the traditional teeth cleaning and removes tartar from below the gum line. This costs on average between $140 and $300, but your dental insurance may cover the cost.

When it comes to dental cleanings as an adult, there are a few things that you should know. First, cleanings are recommended twice per year but you may need them more or less frequently depending on your health. Cleanings are typically fully covered or inexpensive with dental insurance. Without insurance, cleanings cost anywhere from $75 to $200 on average. Cleanings are also essential for preventing and treating gum disease, something that many adults have to deal with.

For more information or to schedule a dental cleaning, contact a dentist.