Most people have heard that you should see a hygienist every six months. It’s a reasonable starting point, but it isn’t a rule, and for some people it’s too often while for others it isn’t often enough.
What we look at
At each visit we measure the small gaps between your gums and teeth and note where they bleed. We also look at how quickly hard deposits build up, which varies a lot between people.
- Healthy gums with little build-up: every 9 to 12 months is often enough.
- Some bleeding or quick build-up: every 6 months.
- Gum disease, braces or diabetes: every 3 to 4 months until things settle.
What you can do at home
The biggest difference comes from cleaning between your teeth once a day. Interdental brushes are easier than floss for most adults; we’ll find the right sizes for you and give you a set to try.
Ten seconds between each pair of teeth does more for your gums than an extra minute of brushing.
When to come sooner
Book in if your gums bleed for more than two weeks, if a tooth feels loose, or if you notice a bad taste that doesn’t go away. These are usually easy to fix when caught early.
If you aren’t sure what interval suits you, ask at your next check-up. We’ll explain the reasoning, and we’re happy to stretch it out once your gums are healthy.
