How often should teeth be cleaned?

Generally, the frequency of dental cleaning should be determined based on individual oral health status. For generally healthy individuals, it is recommended to undergo dental cleaning every six months. If an individual has periodontal disease, rapid tartar buildup, or poor oral hygiene, cleaning every three to four months is advised to prevent tartar accumulation and progression of periodontal inflammation. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Dental cleaning is an effective method for removing plaque, tartar, and stains using specialized instruments, and helps prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. For healthy individuals who maintain good oral hygiene, a six-month interval can help maintain oral health. However, for patients with periodontal disease, tartar may recur shortly after treatment, so the interval should be shortened to consolidate treatment results, typically every 3–4 months. Individuals who smoke, wear orthodontic appliances, or have abnormal saliva secretion tend to develop tartar more quickly and therefore also require more frequent cleanings.

It should be noted that the frequency of dental cleaning is not fixed and should be determined by a dentist based on individual conditions after an oral examination. Excessively frequent cleanings may irritate the gums, while overly long intervals may fail to remove tartar in a timely manner, both of which are detrimental to oral health.