-
We all know that brushing twice daily is the standard for maintaining good oral health, but how often should you be getting your teeth professionally cleaned? Watch below to see Pacific Smiles dentist Dr Rama Chockalingam answer the question.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
-
So, how often should you be getting your teeth cleaned?
According to Dr Chockalingam, the general guideline is to have a professional clean every six months. However, this may vary depending on your needs, and the state of your teeth. For example, people with active gum disease may require a professional clean every three months, whereas those with excellent oral health may decide with their dentist that an annual visit is fine. While every six months can be used as a guide, the best thing you can do is ask your dentist.
Why is teeth cleaning necessary?
On top of removing plaque, during a professional clean dentists will also scale your teeth, which is the removal of calculus -- the hardened plaque that often builds up behind the lower teeth and in other areas. As calculus cannot be cleaned with a toothbrush, it should be removed by your dentist on a regular basis to assist gum health.
Are there risks associated with not getting your teeth cleaned regularly?
Plaque is a common factor for both gum disease and dental decay, so removal of it on a regular basis reduces the risk of oral diseases occurring. And interestingly, we’re increasingly learning that maintaining good oral health is important for maintaining overall health. Research is now showing a link between gum disease and systemic diseases, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis, amongst others.
Think you might be suffering from an oral health issue?
If you think you might be living with an oral health condition, pay the dentist a visit to get it checked out. Medibank now offers all members with extras cover 100% back on your annual dental check-up, except x-rays, at a Members Choice dentist.
Get more tips on looking after your pearly whites.
Listen now for tips on how to look after your children's teeth.
-
Foods to fuel your brain
Get the edge in your exams with these tips
-
Proven ways to prevent a cold
We explore the effectiveness of supplements, and our top tips to keep you as healthy as possible this winter.
-
Exploring ‘The Science of Happiness’
Psychologist Emily Toner on the benefits positive psychology.
-
Salt: How much is too much?
It’s probably less than you think.
-
Create the perfect morning routine
Routines are essential to a great day
-
Get ready for summer guide
Shake off the very last of those winter blues and start preparing for your most energised summer ever.
-
Is your commute to work making you unhealthy?
MBHI reveals a link between length of commute and overall health
-
Psoriasis: does obesity play a role?
We explore the link
-
Providing surgeons with insights and information to improve healthcare
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Medibank working together
-
Smoking trends over the last 8 years
How the states’ smoking habits differ
-
700,000 Australians now living with cataracts
New Medibank data reveals a rise in cataracts.
-
Which state is the fittest?
We compare the exercise habits of people across the country
-
How much are we drinking?
18-24 year olds actually drink the least per week
-
Who are the healthiest voters in Australia?
A correlation between political party and health?
-
Technology provides peace of mind
Keeping an eye on ageing loved ones’ health and wellbeing
-
How does having kids impact your health?
A mum shares her thoughts on how motherhood has impacted her
-
Was 2017 Australia’s most stressful year?
Find out what’s behind the trend
-
What does the future hold for male contraception?
We explore the options
-
The sporting injury affecting more Australian women
How Medibank is helping to prevent it
-
The health of Aussie mums
And how it differs to women without kids
-
Fluoride: what is it and why is it in the water?
Do we really need fluoride in our drinking water?
-
Is there a link between loneliness and Alzheimer’s?
A new study sheds some light
-
Stress hitting Aussie students hard
Our data shows students are experiencing high stress levels
-
What's getting in the way of cooking with our kids?
Is technology to blame?
-
Does your housing impact your health?
Apartments versus houses – which residents are the healthiest?
-
Can exercise play a role in cancer prevention and treatment?
Does exercise play a role in cancer prevention and treatment?
-
Are red wine drinkers healthier?
How the alcohol we drink impacts our health
-
UTI's: How you get them and how to treat them
Cranberry juice: friend or foe?
-
Depression and contraception: is there a link?
Find out what the research says
-
What really happens to your body when you turn 30
This is what happens to your body in your 30s
-
How much does surgery cost?
Colonoscopies, hernia and gastric sleeve procedures
-
What are Australians really eating?
We delve into the data on Aussie eating habits
-
What is Australia’s favourite workout?
Walking is a great way to keep active
-
Does where you’re from impact your fitness level?
Our data explores whether how much you exercise is affected by your country of birth
-
Do you know the pain of knee osteoarthritis?
Find out more about this condition and managing your pain
-
Overweight Australia: which gender has the higher BMI?
Overweight, obese or OK?
-
Working to reverse our childhood obesity crisis
1 in 4 Australian children are now overweight or obese
-
Why a healthy social life might be the key to living longer
Do you feel socially connected?
-
How your phone habits affect your sleep
And what it means for your mental health, hormones and more.
-
More than 1 million Aussies iron deficient
Data shows iron deficiency has increased in recent years
-
What your relationship status means for your health
MBHI finds a correlation between your relationship status and your health
-
The first Medibank Better Health Index reveals the state of Australia’s health
A snapshot of our nation’s health and how it’s changed
-
Is there a link between type 2 diabetes and cancer?
We explore the connection between these two conditions
-
Sugary drinks: how much are we actually drinking?
We look at how much soft drink, cordial and flavoured milk Australians drink each week
-
Medibank trialling haemodialysis at home
Giving members with chronic kidney disease more choice
-
Should you take probiotics?
What does the evidence says about probiotics?
-
Chronic joint disease taking its toll on younger Aussies
Are obesity and changing exercise habits to blame?
-
Have scientists found a cure for Alzheimer's?
New drug reveals promising results
-
Myth busting: What actually works when it comes to osteoarthritis
Simple measures can help manage and alleviate symptoms
-
5.7 million Aussies living with dental health issues
Is tooth decay on the rise?
-
Diabetes numbers have almost quadrupled since 1980
Global report on diabetes highlights the need step up prevention and treatment
-
The origins of western and eastern medicine
Two schools of thought explained
-
How healthy are Australian men?
The results are in
-
Tackling the rising rate of chronic conditions with care
Support for Australians living with chronic health conditions
-
How to prevent type 2 diabetes
According to our latest claims data
Subscribe to receive the best from Live Better every week. Healthy recipes, exercise tips and activities, offers and promotions – everything to help you eat, move and feel better.
By clicking sign up I understand and agree to Medibank's privacy policy