Teeth cleaning guide

How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

Cleveland Clinic says most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months, but some people need them more often, and to ask your dentist what schedule suits you. Healthline says the American Dental Association recommends visiting a dentist regularly for cleanings, that many dentists suggest every six months but the right interval depends on individual risk, and that experts have questioned whether the six-month rule is arbitrary, citing a 2013 study in which visiting twice a year did not clearly improve dental outcomes.

Who may need cleanings more often

Cleveland Clinic lists people with gum disease, a family history of cavities, a weak immune system, or current illness or stress. Healthline lists a higher gum disease risk, such as diabetes, tobacco use or a family history of gum disease. Your dentist can set an interval based on your gums, cavity history and home care.

What happens during a dental cleaning

Cleveland Clinic says a dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth. Every cleaning has two main steps, scaling and polishing, and may include X-rays or other preventive care. Most take 30 to 60 minutes.

• Scaling: special tools, sometimes a vibrating ultrasonic scaler, remove plaque and tartar. You may hear scraping, but it should not hurt.
• Polishing: a soft rubber cup and special toothpaste remove leftover germs and smooth the teeth.
• X-rays: help the dentist find problems that are not visible, such as hidden decay.
• Preventive extras: sealants for teeth with deep grooves, or fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth.

What is a deep cleaning?

Cleveland Clinic says a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, is a treatment for people with gum disease. It cleans under the gumline and around the tooth roots, and the dentist numbs the gums first. It is different from a routine cleaning, which is for healthy teeth and gums. Healthline's sources describe preventive visits as usually combined with a dental exam.

Does teeth cleaning hurt?

It should not. Cleveland Clinic says you may hear scraping but it should not hurt. Healthline notes there are no long-term studies on how much cleaning is too much, and that overdoing it might increase tooth sensitivity or wear on enamel. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, tell the hygienist so they can adjust.

What is the benefit of cleanings?

Healthline says a professional cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and that good daily brushing and flossing can reduce how often you need treatment. It also notes that research is limited on the ideal interval, so cleanings are best tailored to your risk.

Insurance and cost planning

Healthline says insurance often covers only one or two cleanings a year, so extra visits are usually out of pocket. Our dental cleaning cost guide explains what a cleaning quote includes, and our flossing guide explains how to keep your teeth clean between visits.

Cleaning versus whitening

They are different. Healthline says whitening differs from cleaning, has no standard guideline for frequency and is generally not covered by insurance. A cleaning removes plaque and surface stains, and whitening changes tooth color.

Looking after your teeth between visits

A professional cleaning works best alongside good daily habits. Cleveland Clinic recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and the ADA recommends cleaning between your teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. Healthline says good daily brushing and flossing can reduce how often you need treatment.

Tell your dentist about any change in your gums, such as bleeding, swelling or recession, between visits, because it may be a reason to be seen sooner than your next cleaning.

Questions to ask your dentist

Asking a few questions at your next visit helps you set the right schedule.

• How often should I come in, given my gums and cavity history?
• Do I need a deep cleaning, or is a routine cleaning right for me?
• Which X-rays do I need and how often?
• Would sealants or fluoride help me?
• What should I change about brushing and flossing?

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