If you practice good oral hygiene with diligent daily brushing and flossing, you’ve probably wondered how often you should get your teeth cleaned by your dentist. Perhaps you’ve asked your dentist, “Is once a year good enough, or could I get by with a cleaning every 18 months?” Or maybe you schedule biannual professional dental cleanings as part of your standard oral health care regimen.

If you’re one of the 34 million and rising number of Americans living with diabetes, your physician has likely encouraged you to be diligent in maintaining the best in oral health. If not, then be sure to inform your dentist about your condition. Likewise, if you are one of the 75 million or so Americans affected by periodontal (gum) disease—especially if you have been diagnosed with severe periodontitis—inform your primary care doctor and be aware of diabetes symptoms.

If your Southwest Florida-area dentist suggests that you might have xerostomia, it might not be cause for alarm, as up to 22% of the global population is affected to some degree by the condition, according to the American Dental Association. However, if your xerostomia is persistent and potentially compromising other elements of your oral health, your dentist will undoubtedly recommend treatment.