Our teeth are covered with a thin transparent film of bacteria that we call plaque. Efficient brushing and flossing twice a day can remove most of the plaque, but not all of it. So what can a routine cleaning do that you can’t do with your own thorough daily hygiene routine?

Well, for one thing, our dentists begin your cleaning by carefully scraping the hard mineral build-up (tartar) from your teeth. You cannot accomplish this by brushing and flossing on your own. But this is only the first step! Next, the polishing removes the surface stains – and now your smile is really starting to brighten! Routine cleanings usually only take about 30 minutes. According to the Australian Dental Association, it is essential to have a dental check-up and cleaning done every 6 to 12 months.