How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

It’s one of those questions that sounds simple but doesn’t always have a straightforward answer: how often should you get your teeth cleaned? You’ve probably heard “twice a year” your whole life, but is that actually right for everyone? The truth is, it depends.

At Bertagnolli Dental, we see patients from all walks of life here in Westminster, and the answer varies based on your individual oral health, lifestyle, and medical history. Some folks do great with two cleanings a year. Others need to come in every three or four months to keep their smile healthy. And honestly, that’s okay. What matters is finding the right schedule for you.

Let’s break down what the experts recommend, what factors might change your cleaning schedule, and why staying on top of those appointments really does make a difference for your long-term dental health.

The Standard Recommendation for Dental Cleanings

For most people, the standard recommendation is to get a professional dental cleaning every six months. That’s the guideline the American Dental Association has promoted for years, and it’s based on solid reasoning. Plaque and tartar build up over time, even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing at home. Professional cleanings remove what your toothbrush can’t reach.

The six-month rule isn’t arbitrary. Plaque that hardens into tartar can start causing problems relatively quickly, and catching issues early (like small cavities or the beginnings of gum disease) is always easier and less expensive than treating them later. During your twice-yearly visits, your dentist also screens for oral cancer and checks for other concerns you might not notice on your own.

That said, some dental professionals suggest that based on the plaque maturation cycle, certain patients might actually benefit from cleanings every three months. The research on this is evolving, and what we know is that one size doesn’t fit all. Your dentist will help you figure out the right cadence based on what they see in your mouth.

For Westminster families, keeping up with regular cleanings is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your oral health. It’s preventive care at its best.

Factors That Affect How Often You Need a Cleaning

Here’s where things get more personal. While twice a year works well for many people, your individual situation might call for something different. Let’s look at the main factors that influence how often you should sit in the dental chair.

Gum Disease and Periodontal Health

If you have healthy gums and no history of periodontal problems, sticking with standard cleanings every six months is usually fine. But if you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis), that changes things.

Patients who’ve had deep cleaning treatments for periodontitis typically need periodontal maintenance appointments every three to four months. This isn’t just a suggestion. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and those more frequent visits help keep it under control and prevent it from progressing.

How do you know if you’re at risk? Signs include:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gumlines
• Loose teeth

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth talking to your dentist about whether you need more frequent cleanings.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Your overall health plays a bigger role in your oral health than you might think. Certain medical conditions and medications can make you more susceptible to dental problems, which means you might need cleanings more often.

Conditions that often require more frequent dental visits include:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can lead to higher concentrations of sugars in saliva, which feeds bacteria and increases the risk of gum disease.
• Weakened immune systems: Whether due to illness or medication, a compromised immune system makes it harder to fight off oral infections.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause “pregnancy gingivitis,” making gums more prone to inflammation and bleeding.

Certain medications matter too. If you’re taking blood thinners, your gums may bleed more easily. Osteoporosis medications can affect jaw bone health. Even some common medications cause dry mouth, which increases cavity risk because saliva helps wash away bacteria.

Lifestyle Habits

Let’s be honest. Some habits are harder on your teeth than others.

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for them to heal and easier for infections to take hold. Smokers often need more frequent cleanings to manage the extra buildup and monitor for gum problems.

Diet matters too. If you snack frequently on sugary or starchy foods, you’re giving bacteria more fuel to produce the acids that cause cavities. Drinking lots of soda, even diet soda, can erode enamel over time.

And if you’re not flossing regularly (most people aren’t as consistent as they should be), plaque builds up faster between teeth, which means your dentist has more work to do during your cleaning.

Orthodontic appliances like braces or permanent retainers also make home care more challenging. Those wires and brackets create hiding spots for plaque, so people with braces often benefit from cleanings every three to four months.

Signs You May Need More Frequent Cleanings

Sometimes your mouth gives you signals that something’s not quite right. Paying attention to these signs can help you determine whether your current cleaning schedule is working.

You might need more frequent dental cleanings if you notice:

• Bleeding gums: A little pink in the sink when you brush isn’t normal. It’s often an early sign of gum disease.
• Chronic bad breath: Persistent bad breath (not just morning breath) can indicate bacteria buildup or gum problems.
• Visible tartar buildup: If you can see yellowish or brownish buildup along your gumline, that’s tartar, and it won’t come off with brushing alone.
• Cavities between visits: If you keep getting cavities even though good home care, more frequent cleanings might help.
• Sensitive or loose teeth: These can be signs of gum disease or other issues that need attention.

If you have a history of cavities or gum disease, don’t assume you can stretch out your appointments. Past problems are a good predictor of future risk. It’s better to stay ahead of issues than to play catch-up.

For our Westminster and Denver patients, we always say: when in doubt, ask. We’d rather see you more often and prevent problems than deal with bigger issues down the road.

What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, or if you’re just curious about what actually happens during the appointment, here’s the rundown.

A professional cleaning involves two main steps: scaling and polishing.

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. Your hygienist uses special tools to scrape away buildup from tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. This is the part that might feel a little uncomfortable if you have significant buildup or sensitive gums, but it’s crucial for preventing gum disease.

No matter how well you brush at home, you can’t remove tartar once it forms. That hard, calcified buildup is essentially plaque that’s mineralized, and it takes professional instruments to get rid of it.

Polishing comes next. Using a gritty paste and a rotating brush, your hygienist buffs away surface stains and smooths your teeth. Smooth teeth are harder for plaque to stick to, so this step actually helps keep your teeth cleaner longer.

But the cleaning itself is just part of the visit. Your dentist will also:

• Examine your teeth for cavities and other problems
• Check your gums for signs of disease
• Screen for oral cancer
• Take X-rays periodically to see what’s happening below the surface
• Discuss any concerns and answer your questions

These checkups are about more than just shiny teeth. They’re an opportunity to catch small problems before they become big, expensive ones. A tiny cavity caught early might need a simple filling. Left alone for a year or two, it could turn into a root canal or crown.

At Bertagnolli Dental, we take the time to make sure you’re comfortable during your cleaning and that you leave understanding your oral health status.

Risks of Skipping or Delaying Dental Cleanings

Life gets busy. We get it. But putting off dental cleanings isn’t like skipping an oil change. The consequences can add up fast.

When you skip cleanings, plaque continues to accumulate. Within days, plaque can start hardening into tartar. And once tartar forms, it creates a rough surface where even more plaque can collect. It becomes a cycle that feeds on itself.

Here’s what can happen when cleanings get pushed to the back burner:

Cavities: Without professional removal of plaque and tartar, decay has more opportunity to develop. What might have been prevented with a cleaning turns into a filling, or worse.

Gum disease: Tartar buildup along and below the gumline leads to inflammation and, eventually, periodontitis. Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss and tooth loss. And those teeth that remain? They become harder to clean, making them even more susceptible to decay.

More expensive treatment: A cleaning costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a root canal, crown, or extraction. Preventive care is almost always the more affordable option in the long run.

Overall health impacts: Research continues to explore connections between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. While the links are still being studied, it’s clear that oral health doesn’t exist in isolation from the rest of your body.

An estimated 40 million Americans avoid dental care because of fear and anxiety. If that sounds like you, know that you’re not alone, and there are options. Sedation dentistry can help nervous patients get the care they need without the stress. Don’t let fear keep you from protecting your health.

How to Maintain Oral Health Between Visits

Professional cleanings are important, but what you do at home between appointments matters just as much. Here’s how to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible.

Brush twice a day: This one’s non-negotiable. Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Spend at least two minutes each time, and make sure you’re getting all surfaces, including the backs of your teeth.

Floss daily: We know, we know. Nobody’s favorite task. But flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where your brush can’t reach. If traditional floss is annoying, try floss picks or a water flosser. Whatever gets you to do it consistently.

Watch your diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks. If you do indulge, try to rinse your mouth with water afterward. And don’t sip on soda or sweetened coffee all day. Every sip gives bacteria a fresh batch of sugar to convert into acid.

Don’t smoke: If you needed another reason to quit, here it is. Smoking dramatically increases your risk of gum disease and makes treatment less effective.

Stay hydrated: Dry mouth increases cavity risk. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Replace your toothbrush regularly: Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn-out brush doesn’t clean as effectively.

These habits won’t replace professional cleanings, but they’ll help you get the most out of your dental visits and keep problems to a minimum.

Conclusion

So, how often should you get your teeth cleaned? For most people, every six months is a solid starting point. But your ideal schedule depends on your gum health, medical history, lifestyle, and what your dentist sees during your exams. Some people do well with two visits a year. Others need three or four to stay ahead of problems.

The important thing is to have an honest conversation with your dentist about what’s right for you. Don’t just assume the standard schedule fits, especially if you have risk factors for gum disease or cavities.

If you’re in Westminster or the greater Denver area and you’re due for a cleaning, or if you’re not sure when your last one was, we’d love to help. At Bertagnolli Dental, our team provides personalized care for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine checkup, periodontal maintenance, or just some guidance on your oral health, we’re here for you.

Call Bertagnolli Dental to schedule an appointment today. Your smile will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

For most people, getting a professional dental cleaning every six months is recommended. However, the ideal frequency depends on your individual oral health, gum condition, medical history, and lifestyle. Some patients with gum disease or higher risk factors may need cleanings every three to four months.

Why do some people need dental cleanings more than twice a year?

Patients with periodontal disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or lifestyle habits like smoking often need more frequent cleanings. These conditions increase plaque buildup and gum disease risk, so cleanings every three to four months help manage oral health and prevent progression of dental problems.

What happens during a professional teeth cleaning?

A professional cleaning involves scaling to remove plaque and tartar from teeth and below the gumline, followed by polishing to remove surface stains and smooth teeth. Your dentist also examines for cavities, checks gum health, screens for oral cancer, and may take X-rays to detect hidden issues.

What are the risks of skipping dental cleanings?

Skipping cleanings allows plaque to harden into tartar, leading to cavities, gum disease, and potential tooth loss. Untreated dental problems become more expensive to fix over time. Research also suggests links between poor oral health and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes complications.

How can I maintain oral health between dental visits?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, avoid smoking, stay hydrated, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. These habits complement professional cleanings and help minimize dental problems between appointments.

Does dental insurance cover teeth cleanings twice a year?

Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at little to no cost. However, if your dentist recommends more frequent cleanings due to gum disease or other conditions, additional visits may require out-of-pocket costs. Check your specific plan for coverage details.