How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

The short answer

Many adults do well with a professional cleaning every six months, alongside their check-up. People with gum disease, braces or implants, smokers and people with diabetes often need it every three to four months. Some people with very healthy gums can go longer. The dentist sets the interval for you after checking your gums; UK guidance (NICE) recommends check-ups anywhere from every 3 months to every 2 years for adults, depending on risk. At Healthpoint, scaling and polishing is AED 79.

Who needs cleaning more often

• People who have had gum disease, or whose gums bleed easily.
• Smokers and people who use shisha or chewing tobacco.
• People with diabetes, which raises the risk of gum disease.
• Pregnant women, whose gums are more likely to become inflamed.
• People wearing braces or aligners, where plaque collects around brackets and attachments.
• People with implants, bridges or crowns.
• People who build up tartar quickly, or have a dry mouth from medicines.

What happens at a cleaning

1. Gum checkThe dentist checks your gums for bleeding and measures any pockets between the gum and teeth.
2. ScalingTartar is removed from above and just below the gum line with an ultrasonic scaler and fine hand instruments.
3. PolishingThe teeth are polished to remove surface stains from tea, coffee and smoking and leave a smooth surface that plaque sticks to less.
4. AdviceTips on the areas you are missing when you brush, and when to come back.

If there are deep pockets, a deep cleaning cleans further below the gum line, often over more than one visit.

Signs you are due a cleaning

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
• Bad breath that does not go away after brushing.
• Hard yellow or brown deposits along the gum line, often behind the lower front teeth.
• Gums that look red, swollen or are pulling back from the teeth.
• Stains that brushing does not remove.

Gum disease often causes no pain in its early stages, so do not wait for pain before booking.

Making cleanings last longer

• Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, angling the brush towards the gum line.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or interdental brushes.
• Spit out the toothpaste after brushing, but do not rinse.
• Keep sugary snacks and drinks to mealtimes.
• If you smoke, stopping is one of the most helpful things you can do for your gums.

What cleaning costs, and insurance

Plans with dental cover often include one or two cleanings a year, up to your dental limit. Check your table of benefits, and read what UAE insurance usually covers.