How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

The frequency of how often you should get your teeth cleaned is dependent on your oral health.

If your gums are healthy and you have low risk for decay then the usual recommendation is every 6 months. Over time plaque and calculus build on your teeth and this needs to be removed regularly to prevent gum disease and cavities from developing.

If you have periodontal disease then we may recommend you return for a periodontal maintenance every 3-4 months. With having periodontal disease you have a history of deeper pockets around your teeth. These deeper pockets collect plaque and calculus easier. These pockets also harbor more harmful bacteria which can lead to gum recession and bone loss. For people with these deeper pockets they are harder to keep clean at home and so debris naturally builds quicker and this is why we recommend more frequent visits.

If you have not been to the dentist in over 6 months then you may have an accumulated amount of plaque and calculus on your teeth and around your gums. In this case you may have increased inflammation around your gums and may need a special cleaning to reset your oral health. Once your gums and teeth are back to healthy then we can recommend a cleaning schedule for you.

Come see us at Laurel Park Dentistry to determine the health of your gums.