How Often Should You Really Have a Dental Cleaning?

Where the twice-a-year advice comes from

Two cleanings a year suits most healthy adults, and it is the interval most dental plans are built around. It works because plaque hardens into tartar within days, and tartar can only be removed professionally. Six months is short enough to catch decay and gum inflammation while they are still small and inexpensive to treat.

When you may need to come more often

• You have been treated for gum disease and need periodontal maintenance
• You build up tartar quickly, even with good brushing
• You smoke, or your mouth is often dry
• You are pregnant, which raises the risk of gum inflammation
• You wear braces or an aligner, which makes cleaning at home harder

What happens between visits matters more

Two cleanings a year cannot make up for a weak home routine. Brushing twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth once a day, and cutting down on how often you snack on sugar do more for your teeth than any single appointment.

Ask us what is right for you

Rather than guessing, we set your interval from what we actually see in your mouth. If it has been a while since your last cleaning, call San Juan Family Dentistry at (949) 240-6888 and we will take a look.