How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

Why there is no single schedule

The six-month checkup is a familiar habit, and it suits a lot of people. Still, the right interval depends on how quickly plaque hardens into tartar in your mouth, the health of your gums, and your general health.

Tartar can only be removed with professional instruments. Brushing and flossing slow it down, but some build-up forms between visits for almost everyone. When tartar sits along the gumline for months, it irritates the gums and makes room for bacteria to settle deeper.

Your hygienist measures the small spaces between your gums and teeth at your visits. Those measurements, along with bleeding, tartar and X-rays when needed, guide how often you should come back.

Who may need cleanings more often

A shorter interval, such as every three or four months, is common for people in these situations:

• You've been treated for gum disease (periodontitis) and need ongoing maintenance
• You smoke, vape or use other tobacco products
• You have diabetes, which raises the risk of gum problems
• You're pregnant, when gums often become puffy and bleed more easily
• You wear clear aligners, a retainer or a partial denture that traps plaque
• You have dry mouth from medication
• You tend to build tartar quickly even with good home care

What happens at a cleaning visit

At our office, cleanings are done by our dental hygienists. A typical visit includes a review of your health history, a check of your gums, removal of tartar above and just below the gumline, polishing, and flossing. The dentist usually completes an exam at the same visit or at set intervals.

If gums are inflamed or pockets are deeper, the hygienist may suggest a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This is often done one section of the mouth at a time, with freezing for comfort.

Cleanings for children and older adults

Children usually see the dentist and hygienist about every six months, starting by their first birthday. Their visits are shorter and focus on gentle polishing, fluoride and coaching on brushing. A child who gets cavities easily may be asked to come more often.

Older adults often benefit from closer follow-up too. Gum recession exposes root surfaces, many medications dry the mouth, and arthritis can make brushing harder. A shorter recall lets the hygienist remove build-up before it causes root decay or gum problems, and it's a chance to check dentures and the soft tissues of the mouth.

Making the time between visits count

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser
• Replace your toothbrush or brush head every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay
• Limit sugary drinks and snacking between meals
• Book your next cleaning before you leave so it doesn't slip

Related services

More patient guides

• What causes bad breath, and what can you do about it?
• Canker sore or cold sore: how to tell the difference
• How to care for your clear aligners
• Canadian Dental Care Plan: who qualifies and how it works

Trusted health information

• Caring for your teeth and mouth (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)