My dental hygienist once told me to get 3 cleanings a year. I told her my insurance covered 2. She told me that it was like chemotherapy- you should do what's medically necessary whether or not your insurance covers it.
I'm told diabetes and maternity are the most common reasons people access the additional cleanings.
* I realize this is priced into the default premiums.
The recommendation that you go twice a year literally originates from a toothpaste ad in the 1950s. It was an arbritary number intended to encourage you to get preventative care, aided by their toothpaste. (In those days dentists were mostly tooth pullers)
My dentist with many years experience diagnosed it. I went to the doctor who confirmed it was GERD.
I lost my job but when I was working the insurance paid for two cleaning per year. I chose to keep the insurance but it's a lesser plan that only covers one cleaning every nine months.
Twice per year was good for me since I got lazy about three or four months after visiting the dentist. I needed the twice yearly pep talk.
And I should also say that 75% of people who are diagnosed with IPF a fatal lung disease have GERD. My father has IPF and GERD I have GERD but I hope I don't develop IPF. My grandfather died of emphysema at 52 I really hope there's no connection! So yeah a dentist could point you in a direction that may help you more than you realize.