If you have a professional teeth cleaning twice a year, you are less likely to experience a heavy plaque and tartar buildup that could seriously affect your oral health. Regular cleaning helps to identify gum disease, screen for other oral disease and can prevent tooth decay. Plaque and tartar buildup cause gum bleeding (gingivitis), pain, bad breath and may lead to gum swelling (pocketing of gum tissue around the teeth) and eventually loss of bone support for the teeth leading to tooth mobility.

If you suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you should have your teeth cleaned more often due to their link to dental problems.