Ask most people how often they should have their teeth cleaned and they’ll say every six months. It’s a reasonable place to start. It just isn’t a rule, and for quite a few patients it isn’t the right interval at all.
01Where six months comes from
Six months is more habit than finding. It’s easy to remember, it fits neatly into a calendar, and for many adults with healthy gums it works well. But there has never been one number that suits everyone. Current guidance for dental professionals leans the other way: set the gap between visits around each person’s own risk, not a fixed date.
02What changes the answer
When we suggest how often you should come in, we’re going on what we see in your mouth and what you tell us about your health and habits. A few things tend to bring the next visit closer:
- Gums that bleed, look puffy, or measure deeper than they should
- Tartar that builds up quickly, even with good brushing
- A history of gum disease, even if it’s under control now
- Diabetes, smoking or vaping, or medications that leave your mouth dry
- Braces, implants, bridges or other work that is harder to keep clean
- Pregnancy, when gums are often more sensitive than usual
The other way round, someone with healthy gums, little buildup and a steady routine at home may do perfectly well with longer gaps. We’d rather tell you that than book you in more often than you need.
The right interval is the one that keeps your gums healthy between visits. That looks different for everyone.
03What a cleaning actually does
A professional cleaning removes tartar, the hardened deposits a toothbrush and floss can’t shift once they’ve set. We clean above and below the gumline, polish, and check how your gums are doing compared with last time.
That check is why regular visits matter even when nothing hurts. Gum disease is usually painless early on, and the changes are much easier to manage when they’re caught early.
If you’re not sure when you were last in, or you’ve been putting it off for a while, that’s fine. Book a visit and we’ll take a look, tell you what we find, and suggest an interval that makes sense for you.