When bacteria build up in the mouth, it can lead to tartar forming, which in turn can cause inflammation of the gums and eventually irreversible bone loss around the teeth. Hewlett advises checking with your dentist about how often a cleaning is needed. Crowded or overlapping teeth can make it hard to access some surfaces during routine brushing or to slide dental floss between teeth. People also should consider going to a dentist more often when cleaning their teeth at home is physically difficult. And some people’s saliva has a lower, more-acidic pH, and this creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, he says. Too much sugar can overpower saliva’s ability to create a balanced environment, making more frequent dental cleanings important, Dr. Saliva normally has a fairly neutral pH, or basic/acidic balance, that helps protect against excessive bacterial growth. Dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many medications, means there is less saliva, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. “As we get older, we start to accumulate more health conditions from the various problems we’ve had over a lifetime, so your risk status will change and usually go up,” says Dr. And people who are older, or who have dry mouth, might be more prone to the damage bacteria can cause to teeth, gums and bones. People whose diet is rich in sugary foods or drinks should consider more frequent checkups, Dr. A number of factors might make it a good idea to see a dentist three or even four times a year.
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