How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned? — A Dentist’s Advice

While the general rule says professional teeth cleaning every six months is enough to maintain a lasting smile, there’s more to it than that. Your oral health, lifestyle, eating habits, and medical history all jointly determine how frequently you should visit your dentist for a cleaning.

In this article, we talk in detail about dental cleanings, including why they’re important and how often you need them.

Even if you brush twice a day, floss regularly, and avoid sugary snacks, dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months. Here’s why.

Why Are Professional Teeth Cleanings Important?

Even with excellent care at home and following a hygiene routine, it’s not possible to remove every trace of plaque with a toothbrush and floss. Over time, plaque turns into calculus (tartar), which accumulates harmful bacteria and is even more difficult to remove. Only professional cleaning with the right tools can fully remove it.

Without regular cleanings, plaque or tartar keeps building on teeth, leading to:

• Severe Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)
• Tooth decay or loss
• Persistent bad breath

In some cases, it can even lead to other related health issues like heart disease and diabetes problems.

Routine professional cleaning ensures healthy teeth and gums. It also allows your dentist to detect issues early before they develop into serious (and expensive) problems.

Preventive care is also more affordable, easier and usually less problematic (or painful) than dental treatments or restorative work like crowns, root canals, or tooth extractions.

So, How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

The Standard Answer: Every 6 Months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you see your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. This schedule is ideal for people with good average oral health and the absence of any serious gum problems.

Benefits of 6-month cleanings include:

• Routine oral maintenance
• Removal of plaque and tartar buildup
• Early detection of issues like gum disease
• Reduced risk of serious dental problems

For High-Risk Patients: Every 3 to 4 Months

Individuals with poor eating habits or below-average oral health may need cleanings more frequently than normal. You might be a high-risk patient if you have:

• Gum disease or a history of dental issues
• Diabetes or other health conditions that may affect your teeth
• Smoking or tobacco addiction
• Dry mouth (xerostomia), which can intensify plaque buildup
• A history of cavity problems
• Or use braces or similar appliances

For individuals with any of the above conditions, quarterly cleanings are ideal to maintain good oral health and prevent major problems.

For Children and Seniors: It Depends

Kids' teeth can be more prone to falling and dental issues, such as cavities, and might need more frequent checkups and cleanings. The standard timeline is once every six months, unless you experience a major problem in between.

Similarly, seniors should get their teeth cleaned every six months, but might need more frequent cleanings or examinations depending on their eating habits, medication, and existing diseases.

Are Dental Cleanings the Same as Deep Cleanings?

No.

Dental cleanings generally refer to regular teeth cleaning, which is a type of preventive care and is done to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

A deep cleaning may involve scaling and root planing. It is a much more intensive procedure and is generally done when you have gum disease.

Contact Us for A Personalized Cleaning Schedule at Lynnwood Dental Studio

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, our brilliant team can create a personalized dental cleaning schedule based on your age, dental condition, oral hygiene habits, medical conditions, lifestyle (eating, smoking, diet, stress), and history of cavities or gum disease.

We use advanced techniques and tools like digital X-rays, periodontal charts, and visual assessments to analyze your condition and recommend an ideal cleaning plan to keep your oral health on the right path.

Don’t wait too long to get your teeth cleaned, especially if it has already been more than 6 months since your last cleaning. Our team is ready to help you maintain a lasting smile.

When you choose a professional dental clinic in Lynnwood, you get:

• Friendly, experienced dentists
• Flexible appointment times
• Family dental care for all ages
• Preventive plans over expensive treatments

So, what are you waiting for? Call Lynnwood Dental Studio today or visit our website to book your professional dental cleaning appointment online at your convenience.

Conclusion

So, how often should you get your teeth cleaned by a professional dentist?

The right answer: at least every six months, or more frequently, depending on your particular case and condition.

Professional cleanings are the best preventive dental care you can undergo, which helps you save time and money and reduces the need for agonizing treatments.

Trust Lynnwood Dental Studio’s expert dentists to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile forever.