How Often Should You Get a Dental Check-up and Cleaning?

Why do I need a professional cleaning if I brush every day?

Brushing and flossing remove soft plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. But plaque left in hard-to-reach spots hardens over time into tartar (calculus), which sticks firmly to the teeth and cannot be removed by brushing, however hard you brush.

Tartar irritates the gums, making them red and prone to bleeding. Left alone, it can progress to deeper inflammation around the teeth that weakens the bone supporting them. Regular check-ups also catch decay early, when treatment is simpler and quicker.

How often should I see the dentist?

There is no single interval that fits everyone. Major health bodies link your next visit to your own risk of decay and gum disease, and the common average is once every 6 months.

• Every 3–4 months: people with chronic gum inflammation or a history of gum disease, smokers, and people with poorly controlled diabetes.
• Every 6 months: most people, especially those who build up tartar quickly or drink a lot of coffee and tea.
• About every 12 months: adults with healthy teeth and gums and excellent home care, if the dentist agrees.
• Children: a first visit when the first tooth appears or before the first birthday, then as the dentist advises.
• Pregnancy: a dental check-up is recommended during pregnancy, as hormonal changes make the gums more prone to inflammation.

What happens during a check-up and cleaning?

The visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and follows clear steps:

• Questions about your general health, your medicines and any concerns in your mouth.
• An examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, with gum pocket measurements when needed.
• X-rays only when needed; how often depends on your situation.
• Scaling to remove tartar, using fine hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler.
• Polishing to remove surface stains and smooth the tooth surface.
• Fluoride application when needed, followed by an explanation of any treatment or care your mouth needs.

Does scaling damage enamel or create gaps between teeth?

Scaling done by a qualified dentist or hygienist does not weaken enamel or thin the teeth. The "gaps" some people notice afterwards are usually spaces the tartar itself was filling, or swollen gums that have settled down.

You may feel mild sensitivity or slight gum bleeding for a day or two, especially if there was a lot of tartar or the gums were inflamed. This is usually temporary and eases with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If sensitivity lasts more than two weeks, see your dentist.

How do I look after my teeth at home between visits?

Daily care is what keeps the results of a cleaning, and it is simple once it becomes a habit:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, the last time just before bed.
• After brushing, spit out the toothpaste and avoid rinsing heavily with water, so the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or small interdental brushes.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles splay.
• Cut down on sugary snacks and drinks between meals and drink water regularly, especially in hot weather and air-conditioned rooms that dry the mouth.
• If you drink a lot of coffee or tea, rinse your mouth with water afterwards to reduce staining.