You’ve probably heard it said that you should have your teeth cleaned twice a year — but very few people know why. And more importantly, few realise that this advice isn’t set in stone. The correct frequency for professional dental cleanings isn’t universal — it’s personal. It depends on your oral health history, your current risk factors, and how well you maintain your teeth between appointments.

In this article, we’ll explain how often you really need a dental cleaning, what influences that recommendation, and why skipping your next visit might cost you more than you think.

Why Dental Cleanings Matter — and What They Actually Do

A dental cleaning, or “scale and polish,” is not just a cosmetic touch-up. It’s a clinical procedure that removes plaque (soft bacteria buildup) and tartar (hardened plaque), both of which contribute to:

•    Gum inflammation and bleeding
•    Bad breath (halitosis)
•    Bone loss and loose teeth
•    Long-term tooth loss

Tartar cannot be removed with brushing or flossing alone. Once it forms, it must be professionally scaled off. The longer it stays on the teeth and under the gumline, the more damage it does — silently and without pain in the early stages.

Regular cleanings allow your dentist or hygienist to:

•    Disrupt this bacterial cycle
•    Check for early signs of decay or gum disease
•    Identify worn enamel, gum recession, or other risk factors
•    Keep your mouth in a disease-free state

The Standard is Every Six Months 

The “twice a year” recommendation is based on the average time it takes for tartar to accumulate to clinically significant levels in most people — and how long it takes gingivitis to begin developing.

But averages don’t apply to individuals. For some, plaque builds quickly. For others, it doesn’t. That’s why evidence-based dentistry now favours individualised cleaning schedules based on your unique risk profile.

When You May Need More Frequent Cleanings (Every 3–4 Months)

There are several reasons your dentist may recommend a cleaning every 3–4 months. This is common for patients who:

• Have a History of Gum Disease - Once you’ve experienced periodontitis, you’re more prone to flare-ups and tissue breakdown. Ongoing maintenance cleanings help prevent recurrence.
• Smoke or Vape - Tobacco users produce more plaque, have reduced blood flow in the gums, and are at higher risk of gum disease and oral cancer. More frequent cleanings can mitigate these risks.
• Have Diabetes - Uncontrolled blood sugar weakens your immune response, making you more vulnerable to infections — including those in the gums.
• Wear Braces or Aligners - Orthodontic appliances create more surface area for plaque to accumulate and make thorough cleaning at home more difficult.
• Are Pregnant - Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase gum sensitivity and the risk of pregnancy gingivitis. Your dentist may recommend one or more cleanings during pregnancy even if you’re usually low-risk.
• Have a High-Stain Diet or Drink Coffee, Tea, or Red Wine Daily - Surface staining builds up faster for people who consume tannin-rich drinks or acidic foods regularly.
• Have Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) - Dry mouth reduces saliva flow — and saliva is critical for neutralising acids and washing away bacteria. This often affects those on chronic medications or undergoing cancer treatment.

When Annual or 6-Monthly Cleanings May Be Enough

If you:

• Have no history of gum disease
• Brush and floss thoroughly every day
• Do not smoke or drink staining beverages frequently
• Maintain good dietary and hydration habits
• Have no bleeding when brushing or flossing
• And have consistently healthy dental check-ups

...then once or twice a year may be appropriate. But this should be confirmed by a clinician — not assumed.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long Between Cleanings?

Delaying a cleaning can allow tartar to harden and spread, especially below the gumline. This can lead to:

• Chronic bad breath
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums and exposed roots
• Tooth sensitivity
• Bone loss around the teeth

The longer you wait, the more intensive the next appointment may be — sometimes requiring deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), rather than a standard prophylactic scale and polish.

In short: putting it off can turn a preventative visit into a treatment-focused one, which is more time-consuming, more expensive, and less comfortable.

How Children, Teens, and Older Adults Fit Into the Picture

Children

Even baby teeth benefit from cleaning. Most children should see the dentist every 6 months — or more frequently if they have braces, a high-sugar diet, or poor brushing habits.

Teenagers

Adolescents are prone to irregular hygiene, high-acid diets, and early-stage gum inflammation. Regular cleanings during this phase prevent long-term issues.

Older Adults

As we age, gum recession, dry mouth, and medication-related changes increase oral health risks — even in people with a lifetime of good habits. Cleanings every 3–6 months are often advised.

Trust Your Dentist — But Ask Questions

Your dentist isn’t guessing when they recommend a cleaning interval. That recommendation is based on:

• Your gum health
• How much tartar builds between visits
• Your lifestyle habits
• And the state of your supporting bone and tissue

If you’re unsure, ask for an explanation. A good clinician will always be able to explain why a particular interval makes sense for you — and what could happen if it’s extended too far.

Preventative Care Is Always More Affordable Than Repair

Regular cleanings are one of the most cost-effective ways to avoid:

• Gum surgery
• Tooth loss
• Expensive restorations like implants or crowns
• Emergency treatment

In other words: maintenance is far more economical — and more comfortable — than treatment. A 45-minute cleaning every few months costs far less than treating avoidable damage later on.

Book Your Dental Cleaning at Dental and Orthodontic Studios 

Dental and Orthodontic Studios makes it easy to stay on top of your oral health with convenient locations across Cape Town, affordable rates, and a team of skilled dental professionals who take time to assess your individual needs — not just follow a template.

Whether it’s your first cleaning in years or your routine maintenance visit, we’ll help you understand what your teeth need and why — so you can leave with clarity, comfort, and confidence.

Find your nearest branch and request an estimate.