for many years, i went for cleanings every 6 months. zero problems, usually in and out without any pain. i didn't go for a couple years and just had one of the

for many years, i went for cleanings every 6 months. zero problems, usually in and out without any pain. i didn't go for a couple years and just had one of the worst experiences at a cleaning in quite some time. super painful, a lot of build up. i haven't changed my brushing/flosing habits at all, but i did switch toothpastes to non-flouride. now, i'm back on the 6 month schedule and back to flouride. i also switched to a tablet based toothpaste (tidalove). you chew it (don't swallow) and then brush. the pill has a bunch of other good stuff in it too. kind of neat cause it is also zero waste packaging.