How Often Do I Really Need Dental Cleanings? A Colgate WI Dentist Explains

Regular dental cleanings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain long-term oral health. At Lake Five Dentistry in Colgate, WI, Dr. Kierstin Lorenz often gets asked: How often do I really need to come in for a cleaning? The answer depends a little on your individual needs—but for most patients, there’s a clear guideline.

The General Rule: Every Six Months

The American Dental Association (ADA) and most dental professionals recommend a cleaning and checkup twice per year. This six-month interval allows your dental team to remove plaque and tartar buildup before it leads to decay or gum disease—and to catch any small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.

Routine visits also help monitor for signs of oral cancer, tooth wear from grinding, or bite changes. And regular polishing keeps your teeth looking their best.

When You Might Need More Frequent Cleanings

While twice a year is a good baseline, some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings—every 3–4 months, especially if:

• You have a history of gum disease
• You build up tartar quickly
• You’re pregnant (due to hormonal changes and gum sensitivity)
• You have braces or other orthodontics
• You’re managing diabetes or another condition that affects oral health
• You’re a smoker or use tobacco products

In these cases, more frequent visits help stay ahead of problems and maintain better overall gum health.

When Less Often Might Be Okay

In rare cases, a patient with exceptional oral hygiene, no history of decay or gum issues, and very low tartar buildup may go a bit longer between cleanings—but that’s something to determine in partnership with Dr. Kierstin Lorenz, not guess at home.

Skipping cleanings too often increases your risk for gum inflammation, cavities, and enamel erosion that you may not feel until it’s advanced.

Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings

It’s also worth noting the difference between a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). If you have gum pockets, bone loss, or active periodontal disease, Dr. Lorenz may recommend a deep cleaning to help restore gum health. These cleanings go further below the gumline and typically involve more frequent maintenance afterward.

Preventive Dentistry at Lake Five Dentistry in Colgate, WI

At Lake Five Dentistry, we keep detailed records of your oral health and help you determine the right cleaning schedule based on your needs—not just the calendar. Dr. Kierstin Lorenz takes the time to evaluate your gums, tooth surfaces, and lifestyle factors at every exam, so your care is personalized.

Whether you’re due for your six-month checkup or think you might need more frequent visits, we’ll work with you to make sure your care stays on track—comfortably, effectively, and with your long-term oral health in mind.

If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, give us a call and schedule your next visit today. Your smile will thank you.

Categorised in: Preventive Dentistry