How Often Should You Actually Get a Dental Cleaning?

Many of us know dental cleanings are important, but how often is often enough? Whether your teeth feel fine or you haven’t missed a brushing in years, professional cleanings do far more than polish your smile. 

At McCarl Dental Group, we believe preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Understanding the right frequency of cleanings for your individual needs can protect not only your smile, but also your overall health and wellness.

What’s the General Recommendation for Dental Cleanings?

For most patients, dental professionals, including Dr. Clayton McCarl, recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months. This frequency is based on evidence showing that plaque and tartar buildup can start causing gum inflammation and other issues in as little as a few months without intervention. Twice-yearly cleanings help to:

• Remove hardened plaque (tartar) that cannot be cleaned away at home
• Catch early signs of decay and gum disease before they progress
• Maintain fresh breath and reduce staining
• Support overall physical health, as poor oral hygiene is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and more

These regular visits also allow for personalized tracking of your oral health, with gentle, professional guidance from a team that really knows you. At McCarl Dental Group, we take the time to listen, answer questions, and make every cleaning a comfortable, positive experience.

Some People May Need More Frequent Cleanings

While two cleanings per year work well for many, others may benefit from more frequent visits. Certain lifestyle factors or medical conditions can increase your risk for dental issues, making closer monitoring essential. Consider additional cleanings if you:

• Have a history of gum disease (periodontal disease)
• Are a smoker or use tobacco products
• Have diabetes or other systemic health conditions
• Are pregnant and experiencing hormonal changes
• Have braces or other orthodontic appliances that make cleaning more difficult at home

When you visit our dental office, we’ll customize a care plan that matches your unique health and lifestyle with no rush and no judgment, just clear, honest guidance.

Why Skipping Cleanings Can Cost You More

It’s easy to think “I brush and floss every day, I’m fine,” but cleanings go deeper than daily hygiene. Skipping appointments can allow tartar to build up beneath the gums, silently leading to infections, bone loss, and expensive future treatments. Routine cleanings help you avoid:

• Advanced gum disease that may require deep cleanings or even surgery
• Crowns, root canals, and tooth loss from neglected decay
• Persistent bad breath and oral discomfort from hidden plaque buildup

At McCarl Dental Group, we know you value your time and health. That's why we offer evening and weekend appointments and advanced onsite technology, including same-day crowns and digital imaging, to make your visits efficient and thorough.

The McCarl Approach: Gentle, Personalized Cleanings in a Comfortable Setting

With over four generations of dental care behind us, McCarl Dental Group is proud to serve our community with consistency, compassion, and exceptional attention to each patient’s comfort. 

Located in a warmly restored historic home, our Greenbelt practice offers a unique environment where nervous patients often feel at ease for the first time. Bird feeders outside treatment rooms, gentle music, and conversational care help transform routine cleanings into calming visits you might even look forward to.

Our dental hygienists work shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. Clayton McCarl to combine preventive care with education that empowers you. You won’t find rushed cleanings or assembly-line dentistry here, just kind, meticulous care designed for your longest-lasting smile.

Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning in Greenbelt

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, or if you’re unsure how often you should schedule, McCarl Dental Group is here to help. Call our experienced, welcoming team at (310) 474-4144 to book your appointment and find out why generations of Greenbelt families trust us with their smiles.