北上洗牙幾耐要做一次？

　　《北上洗牙幾耐要做一次？》

　　If you’re planning a quick trip up north, same same like heading to Chiang Mai for cool weather and café-hopping, you might think, “Eh, can I also do a teeth cleaning while I’m there?” Good idea. Professional dental scaling and polishing is one of those small routines that keep your smile sabai-sabai in the long run. But how often should you do it, and how long does it take? Here’s a friendly, Thailand-style guide to make it easy.

　　What exactly is “teeth cleaning”?

　　A professional cleaning, usually called scaling and polishing, removes plaque and tartar (calculus) that your toothbrush can’t reach. The dentist or hygienist uses ultrasonic tools to scale away hardened buildup, then polishes to make teeth smoother, which helps slow down new plaque sticking. Sometimes they add fluoride or a quick check-up with X-rays if needed. No big drama—most sessions are comfortable, and your gums feel fresher after.

　　How long does one cleaning take?

　　Normally 30–45 minutes if your mouth is in good condition. If you have more tartar or stains from coffee, tea, or smoking, it can be closer to 60 minutes. Deep cleaning (called scaling and root planing for gum disease) is different and takes longer, often split into two visits. For regular maintenance, it’s fast enough to fit between brunch and a sunset view—sanuk and done.

　　So, how often to do it?

　　The simple rule: every 6 months for most people. This is the international standard and works well if your gums are healthy and your daily brushing and flossing are on point. But “one size fits all” doesn’t always fit, right? Depending on your lifestyle and oral health, you may need to go more often.

　　Consider these factors to decide your interval:

　　- Heavy plaque or tartar buildup: If you see visible deposits behind lower front teeth or you get morning bad breath, aim for every 3–4 months.

　　- Smokers and frequent coffee/tea drinkers: Staining and plaque tend to come faster; every 4 months is safer.

　　- Braces, fixed retainers, or lots of dental work: More places for gunk to hide; go every 3–4 months.

　　- History of gum issues: If you’ve had gingivitis or periodontitis, follow your dentist’s plan—often every 3 months after initial treatment.

　　- Medical conditions: Diabetes, pregnancy, or dry mouth can raise gum risk; lean towards 3–4 months.

　　- Perfect home care and low risk: If you brush well, floss, and have minimal tartar, 6 months is okay, sometimes even 9–12 months with a dentist’s green light.

　　Signs you shouldn’t wait:

　　- Bleeding when brushing or flossing

　　- Tender, swollen, or receding gums

　　- Bad breath that doesn’t go away

　　- Sensitivity near the gumline

　　- Stains you can’t brush off

　　If you

　　 notice any of these, book sooner rather than later. Mai pen rai attitude is great for traffic, but not for gums.

　　Thailand-specific tips if you’re cleaning “up north”

　　- Pricing: In Thailand, regular scaling and polishing typically ranges around 800–1,800 THB, depending on clinic, city, and whether polishing/fluoride is included. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai often have very fair rates and experienced dentists.

　　- Language and comfort: Most urban clinics have English-speaking staff. If you prefer extra explanation, just say, “Khun doctor, can explain a bit more?” People are friendly.

　　- Booking: Weekends and evenings fill up fast, especially during cool season. Book 2–3 days ahead if you’re traveling.

　　- Timing: Avoid spicy or very sticky food right after cleaning; give your gums a few hours. Later you can go all-in on khao soi, no worry.

　　- Aftercare: Brush twice daily with a soft brush, floss or use interdental brushes, and rinse after sugary snacks. For coffee lovers, sip water after your cup to minimize stains.

　　Myths to clear up

　　- “Cleaning thins my teeth.” Not true. Scaling removes tartar and plaque, not healthy enamel. Sensitivity after cleaning usually comes from newly exposed areas that were covered by tartar; it settles within days.

　　- “If I brush hard, I don’t need professional cleaning.” Hard brushing can hurt gums and enamel. Professional cleaning reaches tartar and pockets your brush can’t.

　　- “No bleeding means no gum issues.” Many people still have hidden tartar. Regular checkups catch early problems calmly and cheaply.

　　How to plan your cleaning like a pro traveler

　　- If you go north twice a year, pair each trip with a cleaning—easy to remember.

　　- If you’re on a coffee-and-café lifestyle, switch to every 4 months. Same same but different; your smile will thank you.

　　- After deep cleaning (for gum disease), follow the dentist’s schedule strictly: often 4–6 weeks review, then maintenance every 3 months until stable.

　　- Keep photos of receipts and treatment notes on your phone. Handy for future visits anywhere in Thailand.

　　Bottom line

　　For most people, a professional cleaning every 6 months keeps gums healthy, breath fresh, and stains under control. If you smoke, love strong coffee, wear braces, or have a history of gum problems, move to every 3–4 months. One session usually takes 30–45 minutes, is comfortable, and fits nicely into a chill northern itinerary.

　　Whether you’re popping up to Chiang Mai for a cool breeze or staying in Bangkok, don’t wait for bleeding or bad breath to tell you what to do. Book, clean, smile—easy. Keep it sabai with steady maintenance, and your teeth will stay sanuk-ready for all those café selfies.