A note from Dr. Sargissian

“Can I just get a regular cleaning”?

One of the questions that my staff and I occasionally encounter regards the frequency of dental cleanings. Advertisements would like us to believe that using certain products will give that “professional cleaning” feeling. The majority of dental insurances compensate for cleanings based on a six-month or twice a year interval. But, does this mean we all need two cleanings a year? This would be true if all mouths were the same. We know that’s not the case.

While most of us strive to have perfect at-home oral care, the truth is many patients fail to have flawless oral hygiene report from the dentist. It’s not uncommon for patients who insist that they brush twice a day and floss every day to be told they have a cavity or two. What is also interesting is that we see patients with very poor hygiene habits who are seemingly immune to cavities and inflamed gums. Why is that? While the exact reason for this is still being isolated, recent research shows that individual differences such as genetics, saliva PH, diet, and stress are contributing factors. There also seems to be a correlation between the systemic inflammatory reaction and gum inflammation as well as between oral bacteria and systemic bacterial infections. Most notably, bodily bacterial infections and inflammation of the heart have been linked to poor oral hygiene. This means that if your mouth is not healthy, chances are, you’re not healthy.

The health care world no longer sees the mouth as a separate entity from the rest of our body. More and more medical professionals understand how a cleaner mouth can lead to a healthier body. Therefore, just as no two people have the same medical history, no two people will have the same needs for the frequency of their teeth cleanings. My hygienists and I perform a careful evaluation and recommend a frequency that is most suitable for you. We believe that maintaining your periodontal health has a direct result in maintaining overall health. Regardless of what advertisements would like us to believe, a professional cleaning can only be done in the office and that’s the only proven way to maintain a healthy mouth and body. Here at Ashwood, my staff and I are always happy to discuss your individual oral health and create a personalized hygiene plan for you.