You should have professional dental cleanings every 6 months. The first cleaning of the year will follow your annual dental exam. You will receive a brief checkup by the dentist, unless you are experiencing any problems. Generally, the professional dental cleaning is conducted by a dental hygienist. The hygienist will look around your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, and bone loss.

Then the hygienist will use an array of dental tools to remove the tartar buildup from your teeth. For those will lots of buildup that have neglected their twice yearly cleanings, this can be uncomfortable and time-consuming. If you have been maintaining your cleanings, this should be fast and simple. Next, the hygienist will scrub and floss your teeth, and in some cases administer a fluoride treatment.

If your hygienist finds any cause for concern, the dentist will be called in for an examination and a plan of action will be created. In many cases, simply adjusting brushing and flossing habits is enough to remedy any problems.