
Ideally, your teeth should be cleaned every six months by your dental hygienist to help prevent oral disease. A professional teeth cleaning also helps remove surface stains from your tooth enamel, leaving your smile both bright and healthy. Are you overdue for a teeth cleaning?
Here are a few signs that you could need to schedule an appointment with your dentist!
1. Your Gums Are Red or Puffy
Your gum tissue plays a vital role in protecting your teeth and keeping them anchored in place. However, gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems in adults. Signs of gum disease can be subtle in the beginning, leading you to think there’s not a problem even as the condition progresses.
If your gum tissue is puffy or red, this is generally a sign of gum inflammation—called gingivitis—that precedes gum disease [1]. Your gums may also bleed when you brush or floss.
These are all sure signs that you’re due for a dental checkup and cleaning!
2. You Have Bad Breath
No one wants to hear that they have bad breath, and yet halitosis, the technical term for bad breath, affects millions of people worldwide. Halitosis can result from foods such as garlic and onions, but more often than not, it’s a sign of plaque buildup in the oral cavity that means you’re overdue for a teeth cleaning.
Bad breath could also be the result of using tobacco products or having a chronic dry mouth, both of which can affect your dental health [2]. If you have bad breath even after brushing and flossing your teeth, it’s time to see your dentist!
3. Your Teeth Are More Sensitive
While tooth sensitivity is common, it’s not normal to have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth that cause you discomfort when you eat or drink something hot or cold (or even sweet or spicy) can be a sign that something’s wrong with your smile. Tooth decay and gum disease could both result in sensitive teeth because of damaged tooth enamel [3].
Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated. Fluoride can help strengthen the tooth enamel, and your dentist can recommend a toothpaste to help improve your discomfort from sensitive teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, it could mean you’re due for a cleaning.
When Was Your Last Teeth Cleaning?
If your last teeth cleaning was more than six months ago, or you’re seeing any of the above signs with your smile, it’s time to schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist. A teeth cleaning helps remove the plaque that builds up in your oral cavity to prevent disease and protect both the health and appearance of your smile!
Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-symptoms.htm
2. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/halitosis-bad-breath
3. https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/FTDP_Sept2013_2.pdf?la=en
