Scaling (professional teeth cleaning) removes the plaque and tartar that a toothbrush can’t reach. It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent gum disease, but a lot of people aren’t sure how often they actually need it.

The general guideline

Most people benefit from a scaling every six months. This matches the pace at which tartar builds up for the average mouth and lines up nicely with a routine checkup.

When you might need it more often

Some people build up tartar faster and benefit from scaling every three to four months, including smokers, people with gum disease or a history of it, those with braces or other dental appliances, and people with diabetes, since it can affect gum health.

Your dentist will check your gums at each visit and let you know if it’s time to adjust your schedule. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, book an appointment with us and we’ll take a look.