How often you really need a cleaning, what it includes, and when more frequent visits help — from Dr. Deepak Shetty, D.D.S.
Quick answer: most people should have a professional dental cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, diabetes, a history of heavy tartar, or you are pregnant, a cleaning every three to four months keeps your gums healthier. Your dentist sets the right interval for you based on your gums, not a fixed rule.
“Do I really need to come in twice a year?” is a question our West San Jose patients ask often. Here is how Dr. Deepak Shetty answers it.
Why twice a year works for most people
Plaque turns into hardened tartar in a matter of days, and once it hardens a toothbrush cannot remove it. A cleaning every six months clears that tartar before it causes cavities or gum inflammation, and it gives us a chance to catch small problems while they are still easy to treat. Learn more about our cleanings and prevention.
What a cleaning actually includes
Scaling
Plaque and hardened tartar are removed from the teeth and at the gumline.
Polishing
A gentle polish removes surface stains and leaves the teeth smooth.
Exam & X-rays
The dentist checks for cavities, gum changes and anything that needs attention.
Gum Measurements
We measure the spaces around your teeth to catch gum disease early.
When you may need cleanings more often
Some patients do better on a three- to four-month schedule:
Gum disease, or a history of deep cleanings
Diabetes or another condition that affects the gums
Pregnancy, when gums inflame more easily
Heavy tartar build-up between visits
Smoking, which hides and worsens gum problems
Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning
Regular cleaning
Deep cleaning
For
Healthy gums
Gum disease with pockets
Cleans
Above the gumline
Below the gumline (roots)
Numbing
Not needed
Area is numbed
Also called
Prophylaxis
Scaling & root planing
If your gums have formed pockets, a regular cleaning is not enough and we recommend scaling and root planing. We always measure first and show you the numbers before recommending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most people, a professional cleaning every six months keeps plaque and tartar under control and lets the dentist catch problems early. People with gum disease, diabetes, a history of heavy tartar, or who are pregnant often do better with a cleaning every three to four months.
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above the gumline for healthy gums. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, cleans below the gumline when gum disease has formed pockets around the teeth. The dentist decides which you need by measuring those pockets at your exam.
It is not ideal. Tartar hardens in a few months and cannot be brushed away, so waiting a year lets it build up and raises the risk of cavities and gum disease. Twice-yearly visits also let us spot small problems before they become expensive ones.
Most PPO dental plans cover two preventive cleanings a year at or near 100%. We verify your specific benefits before your visit so you know what is covered.
A routine cleaning should not hurt. If your gums are inflamed they may be a little tender, and we can numb the area for a deep cleaning so you stay comfortable.
