Most dentists recommend a professional cleaning every six months, but your teeth and gums often send signals before that appointment rolls around. Here are seven signs worth paying attention to.
- It's been more than six months since your last cleaning
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
- You notice persistent bad breath
- Your teeth feel rough or look dull, even after brushing
- You see visible tartar buildup near the gumline
- Your gums look swollen, red, or tender
- You're due for your twice-a-year checkup, even if nothing feels wrong
None of these signs are cause for panic on their own, but they're a good reminder to get on the schedule. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone can't reach, and they give your hygienist a chance to catch small issues before they become bigger ones.