Oral hygiene: Difference between revisions

The Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association's (AHHA) most recent evidence brief suggests that dental check-ups should be conducted once every three years for adults, and one every two years for children.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Gussy MG, Bracksley SA, Boxall AM | title = How often should you have dental visits? | url = https://ahha.asn.au/sites/default/files/docs/policy-issue/20130627_deeble_institute_evidence_brief_dental_visit_frequency.pdf | work = Deeble Institute | date = 27 June 2013 }}</ref>) suggests that dental check-ups should be conducted once every three years for adults, and one every two years for children. It has been documented that dental professionals frequently advise for more frequent visits, but this advice is contraindicated by evidence suggesting that check up frequency should be based on individual risk factors, or the AHHA's check-up schedule. Professional cleaning includes [[tooth scaling]], [[tooth polishing]], and, if tartar has accumulated, [[debridement (dental)|debridement]]; this is usually followed by a fluoride treatment. However, the [[American Dental Hygienists' Association]] (ADHA) stated in 1998 that there is no evidence that scaling and polishing only above the gums provides therapeutic value, and cleaning should be done under the gums as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=American Dental Hygienists' Association Position Paper on the Oral Prophylaxis|url=https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/7115_Prophylaxis_Postion_Paper.pdf|work=American Dental Hygienists' Association|access-date=28 June 2012|date=29 April 1998}}</ref> The Cochrane Oral Health Group found only three studies meeting the criteria for inclusion in their study and found little evidence in them to support claims of benefits from supragingival (above the gum) tooth scaling or tooth polishing.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Lamont T, Worthington HV, Clarkson JE, Beirne PV | title = Routine scale and polish for periodontal health in adults | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 12 | issue = 12 | pages = CD004625 | date = December 2018 | pmid = 30590875 | pmc = 6516960 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004625.pub5 }}</ref>