Every six months is the answer most people know. It is a reasonable default, but it is not based on your mouth. Here is how a hygienist actually decides.
Healthy gums, low risk: every six months
If your gums do not bleed, you build tartar slowly and you have not had a cavity in years, six months keeps plaque from ever hardening into a problem.
Gum disease history: every three to four months
After periodontal treatment, bacteria repopulate deep pockets within about 90 days. Maintenance every three to four months is what keeps the disease from returning, and it is the interval research supports.
Other reasons for more frequent cleanings
- Dry mouth from medications
- Braces, aligners or partial dentures
- Smoking or vaping
- Diabetes
- Fast tartar formers, which is partly genetic
- Limited dexterity for brushing and flossing
Signs you are overdue
Bleeding when you brush or floss, a rough or fuzzy feeling on your teeth, a hard yellow band at the gumline, breath that returns quickly, and gums that look red or puffy. See our oral health concerns pages for what each one means.
Why regular is cheaper
A cleaning every six months is usually one or two scaling units. A catch-up after several years can be four or more, sometimes as a deep cleaning. Regular visits cost less per year and prevent the fillings and gum treatment that skipping leads to.
Not sure where you fall? Book an assessment and your hygienist will set an interval based on your gums, not the calendar.