Dental Hygiene

Most people should have a professional dental cleaning every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits — every three to four months — if you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or other risk factors. Lifestyle habits such as smoking, a high-sugar diet, or certain medical conditions can also affect how often you need cleanings. Your dentist will suggest the best schedule for your oral health.

A regular dental cleaning is a routine preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and helps keep your mouth healthy. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a more advanced treatment for gum disease. It goes below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of teeth and deep gum pockets. Unlike a standard cleaning, a deep cleaning may require local anesthesia and multiple visits.

Yes, dental cleanings help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can’t fully reach. Without professional cleaning, tartar buildup can irritate the gums and lead to gingivitis or periodontitis. Regular cleanings keep gums healthy, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of infection.

No, dental cleanings don’t whiten teeth like professional whitening treatments, but they can make teeth look brighter by removing surface stains, plaque, and tartar. Cleanings restore your teeth to their natural color, while whitening treatments use bleaching agents to lighten the enamel itself.

Skipping regular dental cleanings allows plaque and tartar to build up, which can cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. Over time, this can increase the risk of tooth loss and may lead to more complex and costly dental treatments. Regular cleanings help maintain oral health and prevent serious problems before they start.