How often should you really get a cleaning?

"Every six months" is the answer most people expect — and for a lot of patients, it's the right one. But it's a starting point, not a rule carved in stone.

Why six months became the default

The twice-a-year guideline dates back decades and works well for patients with healthy gums, low cavity risk, and no major dental work. It gives us enough time to catch small issues — like early decay or gum inflammation — before they become bigger, more expensive problems.

When you might need to come in more often

Some patients benefit from a shorter interval:

• A history of gum disease (periodontitis)
• Frequent cavities or high plaque buildup
• Smoking, or conditions like diabetes that affect healing
• Orthodontic treatment, where extra hygiene support helps

In these cases, we'll often recommend cleanings every three to four months instead.

And when less is more

Patients with excellent home care, no cavities in years, and healthy gums sometimes do fine on a longer interval — closer to nine or even twelve months. We'll only suggest this after a few clean visits in a row, never as a first guess.

The real answer

We look at your actual mouth, not a calendar. At your next visit, ask us directly what interval makes sense for you — we'd rather tell you the truth than repeat a rule of thumb.