It is recommended that you undertake regular tooth cleaning by the dental hygienist to remove plaque that can accumulate even with regular brushing and flossing. This is particularly important in areas that are difficult for a patient to reach on his own at home. Professional cleaning includes tooth scaling and tooth polishing and debridement if too much tartar has accumulated which involves using various instruments and devices to loosen and remove accumulated deposits from the teeth.It is recommended by most dental hygienists that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. Your teeth may require More frequent cleaning and examination may be necessary during treatment of many dental and oral disorders either way routine tooth examination is recommended at least every year.

Dental plaque is a biofilm (usually of a pale yellow to white color) that builds up on the teeth and if not removed regularly can lead to dental cavities (caries) or periodontal problems (such as gingivitis).

The microorganisms that form the biofilm are almost entirely bacteria (mainly streptococcus and anaerobes), with the composition varying by location in the mouth.

The microorganisms present in dental plaque are all naturally present in the oral cavity, and are normally harmless. However, failure to remove plaque by regular tooth brushing means that they are allowed to build up in a thick layer. Those microorganisms nearest the tooth surface convert to anaerobic respiration, it is in this state that they start to produce acids which consequently lead to demineralisation of the adjacent tooth surface, and dental caries. Saliva is also unable to penetrate the build up of plaque and thus cannot act to neutralize the acid produced by the bacteria and remineralize the tooth surface.

Plaque build ups can also become mineralised and form calculus.

Frequency of brushing and good technique is important, because the nature (i.e. composition) of the microorganisms change as the plaque gets “older.” Therefore, plaque which is 12 hours old for example is much less damaging than plaque which has not been removed in days.

However, in between cleanings by a dental hygienist, everyone must have good oral hygiene to support professional care. Good oral hygiene prevents, and is vital to the treatment of, many of the dental and oral disorders and results in healthy teeth and mouth.