How Often Do You Need a Dental Cleaning?
Not sure if you need a cleaning every 6 months or more often? Here’s how dentists decide, what “deep cleaning” means, and how to keep gums healthy.
Most people hear “every six months” and assume it is a rule. It is not a rule. It is a baseline. The right cleaning schedule depends on your gum health, your history of cavities, and how quickly you build up tartar.
The simple guideline
If your gums are healthy and you are low-risk, cleanings are often every 6 months.
If you have gum inflammation, bleeding, or a history of periodontal disease, you may need cleanings every 3–4 months.
If you get cavities frequently or have dry mouth, you may need more frequent preventive visits.
What a dental cleaning actually does
A professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot remove. It also gives us a chance to catch small problems early, before they become expensive or painful.
A routine cleaning visit typically includes:
Gum measurements and bleeding check
Removal of tartar above the gumline
Polishing and flossing
Dentist exam and recommendations
X-rays when needed, based on risk and timing
When “every 6 months” is not enough
You should consider more frequent cleanings if you have:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession or “longer looking” teeth
A history of deep cleanings or periodontal treatment
Diabetes or other conditions that affect healing
Smoking or vaping history
Dry mouth from medications
Crowns, bridges, implants, or orthodontics that trap plaque
Heavy tartar build-up between visits
If you are in any of these groups, the goal is not “more cleanings.” The goal is less inflammation and more stability over time.
Regular cleaning vs deep cleaning (SRP)
A lot of people get surprised by the phrase “deep cleaning.” Here is what it means in plain English.
A regular cleaning focuses on tartar and plaque above the gums.
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats infection and buildup below the gums when there are deeper pockets and inflammation.
You may need SRP if we see:
Deeper gum pockets
Bleeding and swelling
Bone loss on x-rays
Heavy buildup below the gums
SRP is about controlling gum disease so you do not lose bone and teeth. It is not a “fancy cleaning.”
Why 3–4 month cleanings are common for gum disease
If you have periodontal disease, bacteria repopulate under the gums faster. A 3–4 month schedule helps keep inflammation down and reduces the risk of progression.
Think of it like maintenance. The goal is to keep things stable.
How to tell if you are overdue
If any of these are happening, you are likely overdue:
You bleed when brushing or flossing
You have new sensitivity near the gumline
Your gums feel puffy or tender
Your breath is worse even with good brushing
You can see tartar behind the lower front teeth
What you can do between visits to stay healthier
Brush twice daily with a soft brush for 2 minutes
Focus along the gumline, not just the tooth surface
Floss daily or use interdental brushes if spaces are larger
Use a fluoride toothpaste
If you grind, address it. Grinding increases chipping and gum stress
If your mouth is dry, ask about dry-mouth strategies and products
FAQ
Is it bad to get cleanings too often?
For most people, no. The bigger risk is skipping care and letting inflammation build.
Do I really need x-rays?
Not every time. The timing is based on risk. If you have a history of cavities, existing restorations, or gum disease, imaging matters.
Why do my gums bleed even if I brush?
Bleeding is usually inflammation. Brushing harder does not fix it. Better technique and professional cleaning helps.
Call to action
If you are not sure whether you need a regular cleaning or periodontal maintenance, we can tell quickly with gum measurements and an exam. If you are looking for a dentist in Edmonds, we would be happy to help.
Complete Dentistry
Edmonds, WA
Call 425-361-1343 or book online to schedule your next visit.