HYGIENE · 5 MIN READ
How Often Do You Really Need a Teeth Cleaning in Johannesburg?
The '6-month cleaning' rule is a marketing average, not a medical rule. Here is how to actually work out how often you need a professional cleaning based on your mouth, not a template.
The six-month cleaning schedule started as a US insurance-industry default in the 1930s. It stuck because it is easy to remember and easy for medical aids to budget for. It is not based on individual clinical need.
Every 3 months if…
- •You have a history of gum disease
- •You wear braces or clear aligners
- •You smoke or vape regularly
- •You have diabetes or another condition that affects gum health
- •You are pregnant
Every 6 months if…
- •You are a healthy adult with no gum disease history
- •You brush twice daily and floss reasonably regularly
- •You have had a stable dental record for years
Every 9 to 12 months if…
- •You are meticulous with home care
- •Your dentist confirms after two consecutive clean visits that your plaque control is exceptional
- •You have no risk factors on the list above
Any dentist who recommends the same schedule for every patient without looking at their mouth is not personalising your care. Ask why, and expect a specific answer.
Access Care Dental sets your recall interval on your second visit based on what we actually see, not on a template. If we can honestly stretch you to nine or twelve months, we will.