Many people visit their dentist about every six months for a regular teeth cleaning, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the right schedule for you. Dr. Katz, the dentist at Katz Family Dentistry in Webster, NY, believes in taking a tailored approach to meet each patient’s unique oral care needs.

There are some considerations that may determine the frequency of which you’ll need to receive dental cleanings. Here, Dr. Katz and his fellow dentistry professionals discuss these factors:

Tartar Buildup

Some patients are just naturally more inclined to fight off plaque and tartar than others. While a regular professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup, it also leaves the skin of the tooth exposed so plaque can begin sticking to it again shortly afterward. Good home care practices play a critical role in preventing tartar and plaque buildup, but it’s important to remember that the patients who are predisposed to buildup may need more frequent cleanings.

Gum Disease Prevention

While many insurance plans only cover cleanings done in six-month increments, for patients who are at risk of developing gum disease, additional scaling services are needed. If your dentist determines that you’re at risk, it’s critically important to follow the teeth cleaning plan he or she recommends, as gum disease is entirely preventable but not always entirely curable.

Pregnancy

Did you know that a mother’s gum health is a major factor that contributes to the wellness of her unborn baby? To ensure optimal health for both mother and child, a woman should take extra precautions as recommended by her dentist to avoid periodontal disease prior to and during pregnancy.

To schedule your next teeth cleaning with Dr. Katz, call Katz Family Dentistry at (585) 671-2340, or visit their website for more information.