“How often should you get a deep cleaning?”

Deep cleanings are based on need and the presence of disease. If you have deep cleanings, hopefully it has resolved most of the problem. But gum disease is like diabetes, it is a long-term, chronic problem. And, like diabetes, it becomes a lifelong problem. As treatment, most patients move onto periodontal maintenance and have appointments every 3 to 4 months to manage this. However, many people don't stick to this, don't come in again for 6 months to a year and end up repeating the cycle and having more deep cleanings.

You need a deep cleaning only if X-rays, periodontal probing, and visual dental exam indicates that a deep cleaning is necessary to restore health to your teeth. Visit your American Dental Association dentist for an accurate, honest diagnosis.

Russell A. Sassack, D.D.S. 

After the first deep cleaning is done, if you maintain your dental health, you should not need any more deep cleanings. They are reserved for unchecked periodontal disease. Many times, dentists take advantage of patients telling them they need deep cleaning when they really don't just to make more money.