Professional dental cleaning is one of the simplest, yet most important, treatments for keeping your mouth healthy. Still, many patients aren’t sure how often to schedule one, or how it differs from daily brushing.
What is a professional dental cleaning?
It’s a procedure that removes plaque and tartar (hardened calculus) buildup from the tooth surface and below the gumline — areas your toothbrush and floss can’t always reach. It’s performed with specialized instruments and, often, ultrasonic tools.
How often is it recommended?
As a general rule, a dental cleaning is recommended every six months. However, the ideal frequency depends on each patient:
- Every 6 months: patients with good oral health and no history of gum disease.
- Every 3-4 months: patients with gingivitis, periodontitis, smokers, or those prone to heavier tartar buildup.
- Every 6-12 months: children and teenagers, as recommended by their dentist.
Benefits of keeping up this habit
- Prevents cavities and periodontal disease.
- Removes surface stains and improves the appearance of your smile.
- Allows early detection of other dental issues.
- Helps keep your breath fresher.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
In most cases it’s a painless procedure. You may notice some sensitivity if there’s gum inflammation, but it fades quickly after the session.
Book Your Appointment in Bogotá
At Dr. Ibett Escobar’s dental practice, in Puente Aranda (Cra. 43 # 5-53, Bogotá DC), we have spent more than 25 years caring for our patients’ oral health and smiles. If you’d like a personalized evaluation, call or WhatsApp us at +57 302 838 9396, or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.