How often should tartar be cleaned?
Dt. Mesut · 13 October 2026
Why brushing isn't enough, why tartar comes back, and how the cleaning interval is set for each person.
Tartar forms when the bacterial plaque on your teeth hardens with minerals from your saliva. Once it has hardened, a brush or floss won't remove it.
Why it matters
Tartar builds up along the gum line and irritates the gums constantly. First the gums bleed, then they recede and bone is lost. Because it rarely hurts, it often goes unnoticed.
How often?
- Once or twice a year is enough for most adults.
- Smokers and people with a history of gum disease may need it every 3–4 months.
- With aligners or braces the interval may be shorter.
We set the right interval together at your check-up, based on the state of your gums.
What you can do at home
Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush, and use floss or interdental brushes every evening. That removes plaque before it hardens and stretches the time between cleanings.