Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
Skipping dental cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up where brushing and flossing cannot reach. Over time, this increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and more complex dental problems..
Table of Contents
- How Skipping Dental Cleanings Affects Oral Health Over Time
- How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
- Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam
- FAQs
How Skipping Dental Cleanings Affects Oral Health Over Time
Skipping dental cleanings allows changes to develop below the surface, where they often go unnoticed without regular exams.
- Plaque hardens into tartar: Plaque builds up on teeth every day. When it is not removed through professional cleaning, it hardens into tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove. Tartar holds bacteria against the teeth and gums, increasing the risk of gum disease and ongoing inflammation.
- Gum disease progresses without early warning: Gum disease often begins without pain or visible changes. Without regular cleanings and periodontal evaluation, inflammation can advance unnoticed, increasing the risk of bone loss and tooth instability.
- Small problems become larger treatments: Routine exams are designed to catch early changes in enamel, gums, and existing dental work. When exams are skipped, minor issues can progress into problems that require crowns, root canal treatment, or more complex care.
- Existing dental work goes unchecked: Fillings, crowns, and restorations wear over time. Without regular exams, cracks, leaks, or failing margins may go undetected, allowing decay to develop beneath otherwise healthy-looking teeth.
Genetics and lifestyle play a significant role in oral health, which is why some people rarely develop cavities while others are more prone to decay and gum disease despite similar habits.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
The American Dental Association does not recommend a single schedule that applies to everyone. Instead, the ADA advises regular dental visits, with the frequency based on individual oral health needs.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we typically recommend professional cleanings every six months for patients with healthy gums and a low risk for decay. During these visits, we evaluate gum health, plaque buildup, and existing dental work to monitor for early changes.
For patients with a history of gum disease, frequent inflammation, or higher risk factors, we may recommend more frequent visits to help keep gum tissue stable and identify problems before they progress. We determine the most appropriate schedule based on your oral health, not a one-size-fits-all timeline.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning and Exam
Regular dental cleanings and exams help prevent small problems from turning into more complex dental issues. By keeping plaque and tartar under control and monitoring changes early, routine visits support long-term oral health and reduce the need for more involved treatment.
If it’s been awhile since your last cleaning, or if you are looking for a dentist accepting patients in Greeley, we can help. To book an appointment, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
Typically, a dental exam and teeth cleaning take about an hour. The exact duration could vary depending on your oral health. If you are a new patient, please expect to be here for 90 minutes.
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including dental exams and cleanings. However, it’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage and if copays will apply.
Teeth cleaning shouldn’t be painful. Our hygienists use state-of-the-art ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar, which causes minimal discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, please let us know so that we can take extra care when performing the cleaning.
Is there a dentist near me accepting new patients?
Clearwater Dentistry is accepting new patients and provides routine dental cleanings and exams for ongoing oral health care. Call (970) 515-3550 to book an appointment.
