4 min read · JIK Dental Clinic team
Even with careful brushing, some plaque stays behind, especially along the gumline and between teeth. Over time it hardens into tartar (calculus), which a toothbrush cannot remove. Tartar irritates the gums and makes it easier for gum disease to develop.
The usual guide: every six months
Many people are advised to have scaling and polishing roughly every six months, often at the same time as a check-up. It is a guide rather than a fixed rule.
When you may need it more often
- Your gums bleed easily or you have had gum problems before
- Tartar builds up quickly on your teeth
- You smoke
- You have braces or other appliances that make cleaning harder
- You have a medical condition your dentist has said affects your gums
What you can do between visits
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day and limit sugary snacks between meals. These habits make each professional clean simpler and help your results last.
Your dentist is the best person to set your cleaning interval. At JIK Dental Clinic in Oshodi, we will recommend a schedule based on what we see at your visit.
This article is general information and does not replace a dental examination. If you have symptoms, please book an appointment.
